A crowd of more than 300 people chanting “no more taxes” packed a tense City Council meeting January 27 after receiving their estimated quarterly tax bills.

“We’re getting beaten up over and over again with taxes,” said resident Yvonne Balcer.

The City Council introduced a $492 million budget this month. It calls for $190 million to be raised by property taxes, $40 million more than last year.

Residents pleaded with the council to make deep cuts and suggested eliminating jobs, tax abatements and healthcare benefits for part-time employees to reduce the 26 percent tax increase.

Some held up signs like “Stop Spending” and cheered as residents addressed the exasperated City Council.

“I’m not here to plead for compassion or beg for mercy,” exclaimed Esther Wintner. “Heed our behest. No more taxes…I am not an ATM.”

She warned that taxpayers are united and would mobilize to file mass tax appeals if cuts are not imminent.

Some residents told stories of facing foreclosure and being unable to keep up with tax hikes coupled with mortgages.

Dealing with a situation in which her mortgage and taxes exceed the value of her home, resident Sangeeta Ranade commented, “At this point, it makes more sense to walk away than to continue to pay the mortgage.”

An annually approved ordinance allowing the city to exceed state budget cap narrowly passed, 5-3. (Councilman Mariano Vega was absent.)

Councilman Stephen Fulop and Councilwomen Viola Richardson and Nidia Lopez voted against it.

“The only people who stay (in Jersey City) are those who cannot leave or those who are immune to taxes,” Fulop noted, expressing his discontent about the tax hike.

The next City Council meeting is set for February 10.

A public hearing on the budget is set for February 24.