Board approves tentative budget after last-minute county adjustment amid member complaints about notice

The Little Egg Harbor Township Board of Education voted to approve a tentative budget resolution after board staff said the county adjusted the district’s figures to remove previously expected tax‑incentive aid and asked for a corrective filing.

Carl, the district’s school business administrator and board secretary, told the board the county updated revenue figures late Friday and again the afternoon of the meeting to reflect that a state tax‑incentive aid payment would no longer be provided (the change reduced revenue by about $106,110). Several board members said they had understood the workshop to be informational and complained that the late change and the short notice made voting on the item at the workshop inappropriate.

Board members debated whether the meeting had been correctly advertised and whether staff had sufficiently alerted members that a vote would be needed to meet the county’s deadline. Staff said the county requested the action to remain in compliance and that the change did not alter the district’s advertised tax‑levy increase (the 2% levy plus existing debt service remained unchanged).

After discussion, members proceeded to a roll‑call vote. The motion to approve the tentative budget resolution carried; members on record voting yes included Mr. Chone, Mr. Leega, Miss Middle, Mr. O'Keefe and Mr. Phill. The board noted the budget remains tentative and that a final budget vote is scheduled for the board’s next meeting, when members can adjust figures again before final submission.

Several members said they expect improved communication if similarly time‑sensitive items arise at future workshops. Staff agreed to provide clearer notices when late county or state changes require immediate action.

The board’s approval satisfies the county’s immediate filing request but does not bind the board to final appropriations, which will be subject to the scheduled final‑budget process next week.