Referendum Passes In Washington Township

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP – Voters approved a bond referendum on Tuesday for four school infrastructure projects.

The bond, which will benefit two district schools with various upgrades and repairs, is expected to come at zero additional cost to the taxpayers, Superintendent Jeffrey Mohre said.

The $4.17 million plan 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 percent of the project costs and then would be combined with existing funds from the capital reserve account to satisfy the debt.

"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.