By BILL BARLOW/Special to the Sentinel
UPPER TOWNSHIP – Township Committee approved additional spending at its June 8 meeting, approving a proposal to find the money in a bond ordinance approved in 2018.
“It was brought to my attention by several department heads that they are in need of some capital purchases, money that we do not have in our operating budget,” township finance director Barbara Ludy reported to the governing body on June 8.
The total spending comes in at close to $100,000, including work requested by the Public Works Department and new security cameras for Amanda’s Field.
The township has not yet approved a bond ordinance this year, Ludy said, but there are funds available in the bond approved two years ago. A 2020 bond ordinance is likely to be required as well, she told committee members.
Rather than borrow money, municipalities typically sell bonds, which results in a lower interest rate than going through a commercial vendor. According to Ludy, there remains about $140,000 in the 2018 bond. According to a listing of ordinances posted to the township website, that bond was approved for more than $3 million, with the money requested for vehicle purchases, work on municipal buildings and other spending.
According to Ludy’s report, the recent requests were for a new wash bay for the Public Works Department, with an estimated cost of $60,000, the “strongly requested” cameras for Amanda’s Field, expected to cost about $27,000, and an addition $10,000 for upkeep of a storage building at Township Hall.
Ludy suggested the township consult with its bond attorneys about repurposing money. Committee will still get a vote on whether to proceed with each project, she said.
“Even if we do this, the purchases will still come back to you for your approval,” she said.
Committeeman Hobie Young asked if the move would leave the township short for the remainder of the year.
“If something should go bad as an emergency, would we be able to handle it? Should we put the security cameras to the side for now?” he asked at the meeting, held remotely due to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency.
“We probably need them,” responded Committeeman Curtis Corson, referring to the cameras. “We’ve had nothing but problems.”
Young agreed, saying there have been broken windows and other issues at the area.
Township Manager Scott Morgan said he did not anticipate any issues with spending the money, adding that there would be another bond ordinance this year.
“I just want to make sure that we have our bases covered,” he said.
At the same meeting, Morgan encouraged residents to continue following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including wearing masks and keeping distance between individuals who do not live in the same household.
“The COVID-19 has not left just because it’s summertime,” he said. On June 5, he reported, the township approved new emergency powers that will allow a faster site plan review and approval for stores and restaurants to set up outside.
On Monday, June 15, Gov. Phil Murphy allowed limited outside dining after weeks of restaurants being allowed to sell take-out only, along with other changes that will make it easier for small businesses to allow customers in their stores.