Referendum Questions Long Valley? Presentation Set For Wednesday

LONG VALLEY, NJ — An upcoming bond referendum will give Washington Township residents the chance to weigh in on four school infrastructure projects and those with questions will have a chance at answers Wednesday when Washington Township School District Superintendent Jeffrey Mohre will stop by to make a presentation.

Mohre was invited to attend by Mayor Matt Murello.

The bond, which will benefit two district schools with various upgrades and repairs, is expected to come at zero additional cost to the taxpayers, Mohre said. The $4.17 million project would be financed using a $1.67 million state grant, as well as funds from the school board's capital reserve. A state grant would come in as a debt service aid to offset about 40% of the project costs and then would be combined with existing funds from the capital reserve account to satisfy the debt.

The project, based on expert estimates, is not projected to cost additional tax dollars.

"By using this funding strategy, the Board's bonding counsel anticipates no tax impact ($0) to community members. The grant monies the district would receive are only available to school districts that enter into debt service based on a successful school bond referendum vote," Mohre said.

If approved, the following projects will be completed at Old Farmers Road Elementary School: heating and ventilation improvements including air-conditioning and humidity control measures; electrical service upgrades; and a partial roof replacement. Long Valley Middle School would see a partial roof replacement as well.

District officials are looking to complete the renovations over the summer, when school is not in session.

Those who cannot attend can review the full fact sheet released by Mohre as well as a short information sheet.

The Township Committee's Wednesday meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 43 Schooley's Mountain Road. The Washington Township School District Office phone number is 908-876-4172.

Residents can learn more about the proposal at the Jan. 7 school board meeting set for 7:30 p.m. at Long Valley Middle School where there will be a presentation by the school board's architect. There will also be a special meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 13 inside the Long Valley Middle School Media Center.

The special election will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Polls will be open between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

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