FREEHOLD – Municipal officials in Freehold Borough are proposing to put funding in place for the construction of a new water treatment plant on Waterworks Road.
Borough Council members previously adopted a $500,000 bond ordinance to provide funds for the design and construction of the new plant. The ordinance authorized the issuance of $475,000 in bonds or notes and a down payment of $25,000.
On Sept. 16, the council introduced an ordinance that will provide funding for the construction of the new plant. The total appropriation is now $7.2 million, with a total debt authorization of $7.18 million.
A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Oct. 7. The council may adopt the ordinance that evening.
Freehold Borough’s existing water treatment plant was constructed in 1949 and most recently upgraded in 1977.
Municipal officials have said that for multiple reasons, it would be impractical to improve the plant. They have authorized the construction of a new water treatment plant on a well field across Waterworks Road from the existing treatment plant.
Plans are also in the works for the design and construction of a new well.
Previously, a bond ordinance was adopted that provides funding for the design and construction of a new well at the water treatment plant. The appropriation was $1.35 million, consisting of $1.3 million in bonds or notes and a $50,000 down payment.
On Sept. 16, council members introduced an ordinance that will, if adopted, increase the total appropriation to $1.65 million and the total debt authorization to $1.6 million.
A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Oct. 7. The council may adopt the ordinance that evening.
Officials have said the new well will replace an existing well that is no longer functioning. They said the costs associated with the new well were higher than initially anticipated and that is why the appropriation is being increased.
