Sewer Bond Ordinance

Let me explain and clarify my position on the bond ordinance which was recently re-introduced. At the June 18 Council meeting, the exact same ordinance was defeated. At this meeting, the administration represented that the current surplus was slightly over $10 million. From the day the ordinance was defeated until it's reintroduction last week, I attempted to work out a compromise; the cost to taxpayers would be approximately $800,000 if paid over 15 years yet only about $50,000 if budgeted over five years. I cannot in good conscience vote to bond for this project when the funds are still available in the sewer budget. Last month, the mayor removed $2,500,000 from the sewer surplus to balance the budget of the sewer department and the township. Another $1,000,000 was spent for the down payment of the project this bond ordinance is for, and another $1,500,000 was returned to the ratepayers. Today, the sewer surplus is around $5,000,000, but in all likelihood the surplus will be mushrooming to over $10,000,000 again soon. When this ordinance was reintroduced last week, when asked, the administration said that it would be irresponsible of them to make short and long term projections on what the sewer revenues and expenses would be. I say that not projecting is the irresponsible thing. How can the Council possibly vote to bond for 15 years without making projections? This ordinance will be voted on again at the August 20 meeting. I have no doubt that the ordinance will be defeated again. If the administration truly believes this project needs to move forward, the administration would work with the Council. Instead, the administration has dug in it's heels at too high a cost to the residents and taxpayers of Parsippany.