By KENNY WALTER
Staff Writer
SEA BRIGHT — The questions concerning a referendum that if passed would invalidate a trio of bond ordinances totaling nearly $13 million for new municipal buildings have all been set.
During the Aug. 2 Borough Council meeting, the council passed a resolution that established the referendum date as Sept. 27, while clarifying the three public questions that will be asked during the special election.
On June 1, the council adopted three ordinances that would allocate funding for the borough’s community center, beach pavilion and municipal complex, which would all be constructed east of Ocean Avenue.
However, residents roundly criticized the scope of the projects, and a petition for a referendum quickly circulated and eventually garnered enough signatures to force the special election.
The first bond authorized the issuance of $332,500 for the community center, with $1.4 million coming from other funding sources. The second bond authorized $3.9 million in bonding for the municipal complex, with a total of $7.9 million being appropriated for the project. The third ordinance authorized $1.5 million for the beach pavilion, with $3.6 million being appropriated.
The community center plan is for a two-story, 8,609-square-foot building that will also include storage space and the beach pavilion. It will be funded using $2.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), $1.8 million from the beach utility fund and the remainder from insurance.
FEMA will also kick in $2.75 million, and insurance will fund $1.32 million for the municipal complex, with the remaining $3.9 million coming from the taxpayers.
The bond will result in an extra $250 per year on the average taxpayer.
The special election will include three public questions asking the voters if they would like each of the bond ordinances ratified. A “no” vote on the referendum would mean the voter is in favor of invalidating the bond ordinance, thus putting the projects on hold.
The council decided on the special election during a July 14 special meeting, where several members of the public criticized the scope of the $12 million construction package.
The council was given three options for the referendum — hold a special election either Sept. 27 or Oct. 4, wait until the general election on Nov. 8, or rescind the three ordinances and revise the plans.
Mayor Dina Long said the council was given until Oct. 27 to move forward with plans for the replacement of buildings by FEMA, making the special election the best option.
The borough has also scheduled three public meetings on the referendums. On Aug. 23 a town hall meeting on public facilities will be held, while on Aug. 27 and Sept. 4 the borough will host public drop-in and information sessions.
Contact Kenny Walter at kwalter@gmnews.com.
