Watchung Hills preliminary budget: 3.7% operating increase, 4.1% tax‑levy impact; capital projects funded from reserves

The Watchung Hills Regional High School District heard a preliminary budget presentation that shows a 3.7% increase in operating expenditures and a 4.1% increase to the regional tax levy, district Business Administrator Mr. Stice told the board. "The board needs to vote on the preliminary budget, which is submitted to the county office tomorrow. That is the due date, statutory due date," Mr. Stice said.

Administrators said they are using capital and maintenance reserves to cover several high‑priority capital projects so those costs do not add to the tax levy. The presentation named a $6.7 million ESIP (energy savings improvement project) that included 14 high‑efficiency rooftop units, LED lighting conversions and other energy measures; administrators said those projects were financed in part through a lease included in the budget. "We used our own capital reserves, our own surplus," Mr. Stice said, describing a funding approach the district has used for recent referenda projects.

Superintendent Dr. Jewett emphasized the tradeoffs behind the budget choices and highlighted student programs supported by district spending. "This Board does an outstanding job of providing exceptional…