TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—Council President Michael DeSena has requested that the mayor provide estimated annual tax impacts for each of the proposed township construction projects—including the DPW building, police department expansion, and ambulance building renovation—before the council decides whether to move forward with any of the projects.
DeSena emphasized the need for estimates of tax impacts for the three projects, which total nearly $7.5 million and could reach up to $10 million. The mayor mentioned that the architect, Arcari Iovino, recently estimated the swim club “great lawn” redevelopment concept at $4.5 million, an estimate not available during the June 25 public input forum on the swim club concept plan.
DeSena suggested that the construction projects be considered “a la carte” and that councilors have the total costs, including construction, site improvements, architect and engineering fees, contingency, and escalation, before determining which projects to undertake this year.
Previously, DeSena requested a game plan for capital expenses over a 10-year period, potentially including up to $15 million in spending on various projects. These may include a new DPW facility, expanded police accommodations, new council chambers, and extensive renovations at the 6.1-acre former private swim club.
The council is also moving toward closing on a $750,000 purchase of a mostly wooded 3.2-acre tract at 450 Pascack Road, between Ridgewood Boulevard East and Memorial Field. Future plans for the site include walking trails and passive recreation.
Councilor Michael Ullman asked if the cost estimates provided by the architect for the construction projects were “soup to nuts.” Administrator Mark DiCarlo clarified that the estimates did not include architect or engineering fees.
Mayor Peter Calamari explained to DeSena that, as a rule of thumb, for every million dollars borrowed on a bond, the average assessed home’s property taxes would increase by about $22 to $23. He said he would seek specific impacts from the township’s bond counsel.
DeSena stressed the need for a “true breakdown” of the total estimated costs before moving forward with any specific project. Both DeSena and Vice President Steven Cascio noted how the now-finished Emergency Services Building’s costs escalated from an estimated $5.3 million to $7 million due to extra site improvements and professional fees.
DeSena estimated a potential yearly average tax impact of $300 or more from bonding nearly $15 million in projects but said councilors would consider the projects when total costs and estimated tax impacts are in hand.
“It’s going to be a hard year already and this [proposed tax increase] is going to be a harder thing to swallow,” said DeSena. Other councilors on the dais agreed with DeSena’s request for total costs.
The council recently approved an $11 million municipal budget, raising the average homeowner’s 2024 taxes by $90. (See “Sparks fly and fingers point as township adds to tax bite,” Michael Olohan, July 8, 2024, Pascack Press.)