Montclair voters narrowly approved a $12.6M one-time school tax by 80 votes and rejected a $5M permanent increase, delivering razor-thin results in a high-stakes referendum on a $20M budget deficit.
A hotly contested school funding referendum in Montclair was too close to call late Tuesday, with unofficial results showing razor-thin margins on two ballot questions aimed at closing a nearly $20 million budget deficit.
Voters in this Essex County township faced a costly decision Tuesday as they weighed how to close a nearly the budget deficit that has roiled the community, in what officials described as a critical moment for Montclair Public Schools.SKIP TO: Montclair vote breakdownResidents turned out in droves to decide two ballot questions aimed at addressing millions of dollars in debt and stabilizing district finances, in what officials described as a critical moment for Montclair Public Schools.The first question asked voters to approve a plan to pay off $12.6 million in past debt tied to unbudgeted spending under a prior administration. Final results were pending.A "yes" vote would authorize a one-time tax of about $1,100 for the owner of a home assessed at $639,000.If rejected, the district would be required to take out a state loan, a move that would automatically trigger the appointment of a state fiscal monitor and likely lead to significant cuts to class offerings, teaching positions and extracurricular programs.The second question proposed raising $5 million for current operations through a permanent tax increase of about $443 annually for the same average-valued home.According to unofficial results from the Essex County Clerk’s Office, 4,783 voters, or 50.4%, supported the measure, while 4,703 voters, or 49.6%, opposed it — a margin of just 80 votes.Unofficial results show 4,852 voters, or 51.2%, voted against the proposal, while 4,621 voters, or 48.7%, supported it — a margin of 231 votes.The proposals have stirred debate in a township already burdened with some of the highest property taxes in New Jersey."There’s underlying problems that I’m not sure about how, whether it’s a yes or no, it’s going to change the issue, which is a lack of fiscal responsibility," one voter said.Another resident said the situation has created divisions in the community."I don’t blame neither of them because each has, you know, a right reason to be upset and it’s an unfair situation," the voter said.In a statement issued before the vote, Superintendent Ruth Turner said she would continue to focus on meeting the needs of all students regardless of the outcome.The results reflect sharp divisions in a township already burdened with some of the highest property taxes in New Jersey. District officials have said the funding decisions were necessary to address a deficit that has roiled the community in recent months.Final results were pending.
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