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Bucking swirling rumors and June news reports, Jersey City’s top attorney Bill Matsikoudis says he intends to stay in his job “at least until the end of the year.”

Early in the summer, word on the street was that Matsikoudis was leaving his post, but Matsikoudis says he never finalized those plans. Acknowledging that there are several “issues facing the city,” Matsikoudis says that after discussions with Mayor Healy, he is staying put.

The city, which is facing a reported $80 million to $90 million budget gap for the current fiscal year, is currently undergoing a process of switching from a financial schedule that matches the state’s fiscal year to one that aligns with the calendar year. With a new business administrator, Jack Kelly, just appointed in May, the prospect of Matsikoudis’ departure may have created concerns in City Hall about continuity in the city’s top management.

In the context of these budget challenges, Matsikoudis’ office is pursuing an eminent domain action on a Linden Avenue property where three city agencies are to be relocated, and an ongoing legal battle to obtain the 6th Street Embankment from developer Steve Hyman is also keeping them busy. In addition, Matsikoudis is closely involved with the implementation of the Bayfront Redevelopment Plan on the city’s West Side.

Mayor Healy tells JCI he is “pleased that we will be able to continue to work together on these important issues during this critical juncture for the city.”

“I’m happy to continue on in this job that I love,” Matsikoudis says.

Photo: Steve Gold