Glassboro council adopts two bond ordinances totaling $16.4 million after brief public hearing

The Borough of Glassboro Mayor and Council on April 8 adopted two bond ordinances to finance capital equipment, general borough improvements and water and sewer projects.

The council approved Ordinance 25-09, a bond ordinance appropriating $2,737,000 to acquire capital equipment and complete various borough capital improvements, and Ordinance 25-10, a bond ordinance appropriating $13,640,000 for water and sewer improvements. Both measures were adopted following a public hearing and passed on roll call vote.

Why it matters: The ordinances authorize general-obligation borrowing to pay for multiple capital needs in the borough and its utilities. During the hearing a resident asked how the borrowing affects taxpayers; officials said the borough will absorb the borrowing as part of its regular budget process and noted that this year’s budget includes a 4¢ tax increase that the borough estimated would raise about $10 per month for the average appraised home.

At the public hearing, Joe O'Malley of 111 Somerset Road asked how repayment would be handled, saying he was speaking “from a place of ignorance” and wanted to know “who pays this back? How does that process work?” Borough officials answered that the projects are part of the regular budget process and that debt service is covered by the borough’s budget; they also advised Mr. O’Malley that an itemized list of the capital purchases is available through the clerk’s office.

The ordinances were presented by the borough solicitor, read into the record and opened to public comment. With no objections during the hearing, the council voted to close the public portion and adopt both ordinances as written. Roll-call votes recorded “yes” from Councilman Brown, a member identified as Mister Casabon/Crasterbone in the transcript, Councilwoman Garlic and Councilwoman Spence; the motion carried.

Details from the ordinances as read at the meeting: Ordinance 25-09 appropriates $2,737,000 and, as read, authorizes issuance of general-obligation bonds or bond anticipation notes in an aggregate principal amount up to $2,600,150 (as read into the record). Ordinance 25-10 appropriates $13,640,000 for water and sewer improvements and authorizes general-obligation borrowing in that amount.

Officials said more-detailed, itemized lists of the capital purchases that underlie the bond requests are available from the clerk’s office upon request.

The council set no additional conditions or amendments at the hearing; both ordinances were adopted that evening and will proceed according to the borough’s borrowing and budget procedures.

The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2025, at 6 p.m.