To the Editor: 

The PPS Referendum is the Tip of the Iceberg. The PPS BOE has not estimated the impact of the $130 Million Referendum on our real taxes.

The PPS Operating Budget (OB) is $100 million, increasing by 2 percent to 3.9 percent annually. A new 5/6 school will add “about $2.5 million for personnel,” said Superintendent Cochrane. It will have operating/maintenance costs similar to JW, let’s say $1 million total $3.5 million. Moving 520 5th and 6th graders to a 5/6 school requires new bus routes; plus $500,000 for transportation, total $4 million. Unknown energy and maintenance changes at all schools, add $1 million (you have to budget), total $5 million. This does not even consider the costs associated with the new admin buildings, turf fields, and sports facilities, $2 million? $4 million, Total $7-9 million.

Assume a $6 million annual referendum payment incurs a $700/yr tax increase on the “average” home. A $9 million annual Operating Budget increase imposes another $1,000 increase, for a total of $1,700/year, the first year.

An increase of $9 million to the Operating Budget; nearly 10 percent the first year, but it will be 13.5 percent above current budget the second year, 18 percent higher the third year, and 22 percent higher the fourth year. Splitting the referendum doesn’t change this fact.

I ask the PPS BOE to estimate the impact of the $130 Million Referendum on the PPS Operating Budget for five years to reveal the iceberg.

If you rent in Princeton, your rent will increase. Rents of $2,000-$4,000 will increase $100-$200/mo. Low income and fixed income residents will be forced to leave town.

Charlotte O’Connell

Patton Avenue