Warren approves bond ordinances to buy DPW equipment and a sewer generator

Warren Township’s Committee on June 18 approved two bond ordinances to finance equipment purchases: Ordinance No. 26-17, appropriating $390,000 for Department of Public Works trucks and equipment and authorizing $370,000 in bonds or notes; and Ordinance No. 26-18, appropriating $880,000 for the acquisition and installation of a sewer utility generator.

Ordinance No. 26-17 was adopted after Mayor Fine opened the public hearing and no public comments were offered; Committeeman McCarey moved adoption, Committeeman Blick seconded, and the ordinance passed on a unanimous roll-call vote. Committeeman McCarey asked about the $390,000 appropriation and $370,000 bond issuance; Township Administrator Mark Krane explained the bond-ordinance down payment requirement that results in the difference between appropriation and bond amount.

Ordinance No. 26-18 was similarly opened with no public comment and adopted on a motion by Committeeman Blick, seconded by Committeeman Croson. Mr. Krane explained this bond ordinance is an exception to the usual down payment requirement because the sewer utility is self-liquidating and therefore a down payment is not required.

Roll-call votes for both ordinances were unanimous: McCarey — yes; Blick — yes; Croson — yes; Deputy Mayor Kian — yes; Mayor Fine — yes. Both ordinances are recorded in the Township minutes and will be handled by the municipal finance office for bonding and project implementation.