The Newark City Council has adopted its 2012 budget more than 10 months late into its fiscal year. 

The $615 million spending plan passed by a 5-1 vote without much fanfare.

East Ward Councilman Augusto Amador was the only “no vote” – on principal because of the nearly four percent tax hike.

“The point has come for us to be serious about spending less money.”

There was plenty of controversy leading up to the final vote, including a failed attempt to place the city’s water department under a municipal utilities authority and some contentiousness between Governor Christie and the city.

North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos says the final product shows the city is able to accomplish its goals without relying heavily on the state.

“Ultimately I think they agreed upon a figure that enabled us to have a balanced budget.”

As for the next budget year, a little more than two months away, council members say they’re already thinking about it.