It was a busy day at Jersey City City Hall yesterday as Mayor Steve Fulop’s administration began its first official day of business.

Fulop, 36, who took office at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, said he spent most of the day interviewing candidates for top city positions from a pool of over 400 candidates. Many of the city’s department directors make too little compared to comparable positions in other big cities, the new mayor said.

"It’s something that’s going to have to change if we want to fund talent," he said, adding that he thinks he can still keep taxes stable if he hikes salaries for top positions.

Meanwhile, his staff was at work cleaning out the offices directly outside Fulop’s new work digs. By the end of the week there may be a fresh coat of paint for a "fresh and inviting and clean" look, he said.

His allies on the City Council were also at work inside their new offices, figuring out the computer system, unpacking boxes and, well, cleaning.

"It’s disgusting," said Jennifer Watterman, daughter of Councilwoman at large Joyce Watterman, of her mom's new office on City Hall’s second floor.

Councilwoman Watterman, meanwhile, said the mood was a bit chaotic at 280 Grove St.

Workers are moving old furniture from different offices around City Hall into the council’s offices, with Pam Andes, aide to Council President Rolando Lavarro, saying she was "dumpster diving" to find printer tables, desks and more.

"We don’t have a lot of money," said Andes, a former Fulop aide who is set to become the new council secretary.

Corporation Counsel Jeremy Farrell, who the council appointed nearly unanimously at its first meeting yesterday, said everyone’s excited to be working.

"Tons to do," Farrell said. "You’ll be amazed to see how different things are going to be."

Fulop is the city’s 49th mayor. He assumed office Monday after winning a hard-fought battle against former Mayor Jerramiah Healy, who had been mayor since 2004.