W.O. School Budget Approved - Tax increase (West Orange, Orange: schools, taxes)

[bradykp]

School Budget Passage Hikes Taxes 2.48 Percent - West Orange, NJ Patch

So I know this will attract the crazy tax discussion, but I'm hoping to just get some information/ideas maybe even just specific to West Orange. I know there are at least a few residents who frequent this board.

So the new budget is $141,460,056. This represents a $628,479 increase (0.4%) over last year.

Part of the cost increase is installing new cameras as a response to security concerns to Sandy Hook, as well as replacing locks on doors. It also includes 7 new teachers, which I would imagine makes up a good chunk of the $$628,479. Then there's a $2.5M line item for capital projects, so I guess this is something that's relatively "needed" depending on how you look at each project. Generators for the schools to be capable of serving as shelters in the event of an Irene or Sandy? Seems like that's not truly necessary. Electrical upgrades? Are these being done to help us save on electricity, or just old equipment that needs replacing? Heating costs rising? Can we turn the thermostats down a degree or two? Etc.

Thoughts?

[nybbler]

Gold plating using Sandy and Sandy Hook as an excuse.

[bradykp]

Originally Posted by nybbler

Gold plating using Sandy and Sandy Hook as an excuse.

Well, some of the capital projects look necessary. replacing two schools' boilers is supposed to be getting us more energy efficient boilers, and assuming they are near the end of their useful life, that's a good thing. i saw the cost of the generators though, it's nearly 2/3 of the YoY increase in the budget. I would say they could easily eliminate those to hold off increasing the school budget, and maybe add them in a year or two when we no longer have these other capital improvements?

I guess it's too late now, I really wish I was able to go to the meeting. I'm just getting more involved at the local level.

[mumra]

Not sure why generators are part of the school budget when they the intended use is to aid in sheltering people in extreme conditions. IMO They should be included the township budget.