SOUTH RIVER–The Borough Council approved a resolution to provide $200,000 in emergency appropriations for the Water Utility Operating Fund Budget.
An emergency has arisen in the Water Utility Operating Fund due to the fact that year-to-date expenditures, when combined with projected expenditures toward year-end, are insufficient compared to the budget, according to the council agenda.
The latest action in an ongoing initiative to provide clean drinking water for its residents, the council approved the resolution on Sept. 23.
The borough’s water utility system experienced a change in water consultants and as such, issues were revealed in regard to water quality in addition to the borough main well No. 2, and supplemental well No. 5 experienced significant operational problems requiring additional support, according to the council agenda.
As a result, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has requested significant testing and system review on an ongoing basis and the borough found it necessary to utilize the services of the borough engineer outside testing services and other investment in the water system to keep the supply intact, according to the council agenda.
Appropriations to complete the balance of the year exceed available funds in the 2019 Water Utility Operating Fund Budget. Expenditures of this magnitude were not anticipated at the time of preparation of the 2019 budget, according to the council agenda.
Borough Administrator Art Londensky explained that the $200,000 is an appropriation in the 2019 Water Budget. With the appropriation, the borough will use $75,000 for other expenses, which includes operations, and will use $75,000 for professional services. The borough will also use $50,000 for capital outlay, according to the council agenda.
For more information, visit www.southrivernj.org/agendas/council/.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
