Regional Budget Includes $1.2 Million in Savings over Next Decade

Over the next 11 years, River Edge and Oradell taxpayers will see approximately $1.2 million in savings through the Regional School Budget.

The district introduced its $30 million budget for 2013-14 on Monday night and revealed that by refinancing the remaining debt service from the 2003 referendum, taxpayers will see significant savings in the years to come.

"The positive savings that will accrue over time due to the refinancing is pretty substantial," Superintendent Patrick Fletcher said. "Our debt service has gone down $50,000 for the 2013-14 school year and by 2014-15 it will be down $100,000."

The budget, which calls for a $28,920,714 tax levy, includes paying off $1.5 million in debt service while allowing for the addition of two new teachers. Specific details about the new teaching staff members will not be finalized until the district determines which grade levels and subjects have the greatest need.

River Dell was , but Board Administrator Thomas Bonfiglio stated that the district has to return almost $92,000 back to Trenton as a contribution to the Schools Development Authority's (SDA) funding. For the current 2012-13 school budget, River Dell was mandated to return $60,287 in state aid for the SDA.

"The net cash to River Dell is $529,235 in state aid," Bonfiglio said. "And to add insult to injury, that $92,000 we have to give back is included in the 2% levy cap. We will be using $375,000 from surplus to offset taxes."

Under the $30 million budget, the average Oradell homeowner assessed at $531,000 would see a $276 increase to their tax bill while the average River Edge homeowner of a $436,000 home could expect a $3 increase.

However, as both borough's performed reassessments this past year, the exact increase for taxpayers in each town will not be finalized until the district holds a public hearing on the budget.

The public hearing of the 2013-14 budget is scheduled for March 21, 7pm at the high school.

Follow Patch on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to our free daily newsletter.