With the new library building moving ahead adjacent to town hall, the town has a unique opportunity to economically secure additional space for municipal services. The library board has already funded the purchase of the land, the architect, and many crucial approvals. With historically low interest rates in effect, the space can be obtained by the town in a cost efficient manner.
Programs for our seniors and the disabled now housed in marginal quarters in the Hillcrest Center could be moved into a new, modern, centrally located setting that these citizens deserve. The debt service cost, if any, would be less than the $150,000 the town currently spends on boiler maintenance & janitorial services at Hillcrest. The approximately $338,000 total annual cost for Hillcrest needs to be carefully examined or eliminated as viable alternatives become available (like the library project).
Hopefully the decision process regarding the town’s acquisition of this space will not face the same foot-dragging by the council as the new library has. Aside from members Erik and Horton, the other members of the council have been resistant to the project, wrongly citing “too many unknowns” and “fiscal conservatism.” Having nearly 30 years of financial management experience, I have run the numbers and have found this to be a viable project worth pursuing. But this opportunity won’t last forever.
As a council candidate, I believe in always doing what’s right for the town, and that progress on this facility should not be held up.
Dave Ofshinsky
West Milford
Council candidate