$3.5 million reasons why the Lacey School District should NOT be allowed ANY referendum

In 2009, a $19.8 million dollar referendum was requested by the Lacey School District for a large solar project to cover all 6 buildings. While this was a huge undertaking, this system still did not supply ALL of the electric power needed. It only provided a portion of their actual usage. These panels are still working today. And the District still pays thousands to JCP & L. Their payoff is scheduled for 2029. The panels were supposed to have a lifespan of 20 years.

Here’s the kicker: The Taxpayers were TOLD this project would pay for itself.

In 2009, the $19.8 million dollar referendum was OVERESTIMATED. The school district overborrowed $8.2 million!!! And resulted in the taxpayers being on the hook for $3.5 million in interest. When a governing body screws up like this, they do NOT deserve another DIME.

Since no one had a crystal ball back in 2009, that turned out to be a falsehood. The SREC values dropped and NEVER covered the bond payment like it was supposed to. The Lacey Taxpayers can not trust the Lacey Township School District with any more money. They have raised our taxes nearly ten percent the past 2 years and they WILL CONTINUE to do so if the state of NJ continually allows them to go over the now useless 2% cap.

Please do not fall into the trap that roof repairs will be done at no cost to the taxpayers! You already paid for exorbitant tax increases and 2009 financial error. There are other means for the school district to finance this roof project- they just don’t want to use conventional loans and PAY with your money that they already have.

See NJ State Comptroller’s Report here. It is definitely Lacey’s report even though their name was taken off. The numbers match! Click this link for details.
https://www.nj.gov/comptroller...

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Discenza, Former 2 term Board Member (2015-2017) (2019-2021)

Sunrise Beach 233 Sunset Dr. Forked River NJ 08731
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