Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
Voters had their say Tuesday night, and the bond referendum passed. Here's what Lacey residents can expect: LACEY, NJ — Voters had their say Tuesday night, and they voted in favor of the $28.9 million bond referendum for Lacey schools. The question passed with 56.59 percent of the vote, according to the unofficial results from the Ocean County Clerk's Office; 7,388 voted "yes," while 5,668 voted "no." "New Roofs. New HVAC. No Tax Increase! Thank you, Lacey Township, for your support!" The Lacey Township School District said in a Facebook post Wednesday morning. District officials have been repeatedly saying for some time now that the schools are desperately in need of upgrades. This referendum unlocks $28,873,500 in funding for roof replacements at all district schools except for Lanoka Harbor School, as well as HVAC upgrades. Solar panels on school rooftops will be removed, with new ones being installed, district officials said. You can see the breakdown on the funds here. According to the Board of Education, this will come with no tax increase. That's because they timed it to take place with a drop in debt service, so the new investment will replace some of their previous debt. Because of the referendum, the state will also supply aid for these projects. This will cover up to 40 percent, about $11.5 million, according to the district. The win comes after the district's previous referendum this past March failed. That referendum asked to borrow $92.5 million, split across three questions: roofing, HVAC upgrades and a new turf field installation.
