Millstone school board asked to re-examine costs

I moved to Millstone to enjoy a quiet, peaceful, rural community where my wife and I could raise our family. We recognize good schools are an important part of a good community, but are very concerned that the current school board is not acting in a fiscally responsible manner and has not shared all the facts regarding their proposal for a new school complex with the community.

I would ask my fellow residents to consider the following:

When land acquisition costs are fully accounted for, the true cost of building one school on the Waters Lane property could potentially be $50 to $55 million. The price of the land has not yet been determined and the land has not yet been acquired.

The school board’s communications have failed to mention that additional money will also be needed to pay for new faculty, administrative and maintenance staff. I would conservatively estimate that this will require another $4 million in taxes based on current staffing levels and costs.

The operating costs of the proposed school have also not been included in the School Board’s estimate of increased taxes. I would estimate based on current spending patterns that this might add another $1 million in taxes.

Because I am a concerned community member, I have asked a CPA/MBA financial analyst to examine these issues and give me a realistic estimate of the potential tax increase to a $500,000 house (not an excessive number based on current home prices in the township) , his response was: $3,150 per year in additional taxes.

For my family that would be a significant increase in taxes. I am very committed to education, and know we need new school facilities. I would, however, ask the school board to very carefully examine the total costs of their actions and impact on the community before submitting referendums to us for a vote.

William Faris

Millstone