Jersey City Nonprofits Take a Stand: The Battle for Fair Security Rates

In the heart of Jersey City, a growing storm is brewing among local nonprofits. These organizations are voicing their frustration over what they perceive as the city’s inequitable treatment regarding security fees for parades and outdoor events. Driven by the need for fair treatment, some nonprofits are even considering legal action against the city to alleviate what they believe are excessive charges.

The Catalyst: Rising Security Costs

Leading the charge is Nicholas Grillo, a longtime organizer of the beloved La Festa Italiana and the Columbus Day Parade. Grillo claims that the city has overcharged nonprofits by nearly $8,000 for festival security in both this year and last, along with an additional $5,000 to $7,000 for last year’s parade costs. This financial burden is pushing local organizations to their breaking point.

New Fee Structures: A Turning Point

Historically, nonprofits enjoyed discounted rates for off-duty police services. However, in January, the city’s Public Safety Director, James Shea, recommended a new fee structure that has since been approved by the City Council. Under the new system, off-duty police officers are paid between $75 and $160 per hour for their services, significantly increasing the financial strain on nonprofits.

• Off-duty police fees:
• $75 per hour for parades
• $112.50 to $122.50 for Saturday events
• $150 to $160 for Sunday work

Grillo points to an invoice for this year’s Festa Italiana, which totaled a staggering $18,639.50 for just four officers over six hours, illustrating the dramatic hike in costs that nonprofits are now facing.

Legal Action on the Horizon

In light of these challenges, Grillo and other nonprofit representatives are contemplating a lawsuit against the city. Their goal? To recoup the difference in fees between this year and last, setting a precedent for other organizations facing similar financial pressures.

A Broader Impact on Community Events

Helen Bognon, the vice chairperson of the Philippine American Friendship Parade, echoes Grillo's sentiments. Last year, her organization received a shocking bill of about $11,000, a considerable increase that has forced them to reconsider the parade’s future. Despite attempts to negotiate with city officials, costs remain high, and this year's event saw expenses trimmed to $5,000, still a hefty sum for a community organization.

As various cultural parades, including those celebrating Puerto Rican, Caribbean, Indian, and Filipino heritage, voice their grievances, it becomes clear that the issue transcends individual events. The rising costs threaten the very fabric of community celebrations in Jersey City.

What’s Next for Nonprofits?

As the Columbus Day Parade approaches on October 12, organizers like Grillo hope for a resolution that acknowledges the contributions of nonprofits to the cultural landscape of Jersey City. The stakes are high, not just for their events but for the community's ability to celebrate its diversity.

What do you think?

• Should the city reconsider its security fee structure for nonprofits?
• Is legal action the best way for nonprofits to address these concerns?
• What impact do rising costs have on community celebrations and cultural events?
• Should off-duty police rates be standardized across all organizations, regardless of nonprofit status?
• How can the city balance the need for security with the operational capabilities of nonprofit organizations?