Mayor, School Board Spar Over Parsippany PILOT Projects And State Aid

PARSIPPANY, NJ — A note from Parsippany Mayor James Barberio about next year's state school aid sparked another back-and-forth with board members about the PILOT projects that were approved last year.

In December, the town council approved agreements for three new PILOT (Payments In Lieu Of Taxes) projects — also known as municipal tax abatements — despite opposition from the school board and some residents.

The renewed exchanges began after Barberio highlighted a "substantial increase in education funding" for the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District on March 15. As Patch reported previously, the 2024 state budget includes a 13.95 percent boost in state aid for the school district compared to last year's budget.

Barberio touted the $1.4 million increase, saying the increased funding " is a testament to the collective efforts of our community who advocate tirelessly for the best interests of our children."

Then the Board of Education put out a statement March 20 in response, saying the announcement needed "a more complete and balanced analysis" and that the reported increase was "one small piece of a large puzzle."

Board members continued to say that the budgeted increase will make up for a shortfall that comes from a state limitation on the tax levy and increased costs due to inflation — as well as the loss of revenue they say will result from the approved projects.

"The unfunded burdens caused by PILOT projects will negatively impact the school district for the next thirty years," the board said.

Barberio responded on Thursday to say he was keeping residents informed, and asked the district to "stop misleading the public."

"Claims of revenue loss are untrue, and it's time to dispel such misconceptions," he said.

Both Barberio and the trustees both noted they would look forward to meaningful discussions with the other party over the issue.

Related articles:

• Parsippany Approves PILOT Projects Despite Public Backlash
• School Board Speaks Out Against Parsippany PILOT Approval
• Opposition For PILOT Projects Grows Stronger In Parsippany