New Tax Impact, Date Related To Moorestown School Bond Referendum

MOORESTOWN, NJ — A new date has been set for a bond referendum on a proposal to improve safety and security, expand space and sustain facilities throughout the school district. The impact on township taxpayers has also been reduced, according to the Moorestown Public School District Board of Education.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has informed the board of education that an additional $576,576 in Debt Service Aid has been allocated for the proposal.

This would result in an estimated tax impact of $133 per year on the average assessed home ($454,032) for the first question, according to the board. The second question remains the same.

The final two Preliminary Eligible Cost (PEC) letters from the NJDOE for the William Allen Middle School and Moorestown High School have been received and will be formally accepted at the Oct. 15 meeting, according to the board. The PEC letters specify the portion of the project that is eligible for Debt Service Aid of up to 40 percent.

The vote will now take place on Dec. 10, 2019, the board announced. It was originally scheduled for Nov. 5, to coincide with the general elections, but the reduction of costs and efforts to refine the scope of the project necessitated the change, according to the board.

The board received and approved PEC letters were received for the George C. Baker, Mary E. Roberts, South Valley and Upper Elementary schools. All were approved for aid amounts in line with the original estimates, the board said. Because the Administration Building does not qualify for any aid, no formal acceptance was required, according to the board.

A Community Engagement Forum on the Referendum will be held at the Moorestown Community House on Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m. All members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend.

Visit http://www.mtps.com/referendum for updated materials including an architect’s presentation with new financial information.

Groups interested in hosting a meeting to hear more details and ask questions are invited to make requests by emailing mtpsreferendum@mtps.com.

Individuals may also contact Superintendent Dr. Scott P. McCartney at 856-778-6600, ext. 18001 for additional information or with questions.

See related: Bond Referendum On Moorestown School Improvements Set For Nov. 5