$1,300,000 referendum on slate for Allendale and Upper Saddle River voters 12/9/2008

When I first read in the local papers that Northern Highlands was spending $1.3 million for new boilers for the school I thought this is a bit excessive and what was that going to do to my taxes. Digging a little deeper I came up with some more facts.

Not only will the original boilers, which are now over forty years old, be replaced, but also an emergency generator will be installed to support emergency lighting, the phone system, full power to the gym and auditorium, the computer networks and the toilets. It turns out, Northern Highlands is a designated emergency facility for the area and the backup generator is necessary for this function.

The total cost of the project is $1,397,080. If it does not go to the referendum, it would have to be paid completely by taxpayers. However, under existing laws if a successful referendum is held the state will pay for 40% of the debt service or $558,832. In addition, the district will apply $400,000 left over from the 2002 bond that helped build the new science wing which came in under budget.

Total estimated tax cost is average Allendale household will pay $8.30 the first year and $10.60 each year for the next nine years. Similarly, average Upper Saddle River households will pay $9.12 the first year and $11.64 for the next nine years or about less than one dollar a month for ten years.

Although I do think some consideration should be made to look into more energy conscious alternatives such as geo-thermal heating for the school, the bottom line is that all Allendale and Upper Saddle River voters should get out and vote to pass this referendum. If not, the costs to us as taxpayers will be three times as much over the next ten years.

James Lockard
RE/MAX Properties
Office: 201-825-6600
Cell: 201-674-3114
Email: jlockard@remax.net
Website: http://www.bergencounty-homes.com/