By SHAUN SMITH

Staff Writer

MAYS LANDING – In a 6-3 decision, the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders Tuesday, July 29 passed a bond ordinance to appropriate $40 million for the improvement of the Atlantic County Institute of Technology.

The board heard a slew of comments from the public. Supporters of putting the bond issue to a public vote said that $40 million is too much of an expense to authorize without determining if it is the will of the voters.

Many acknowledged that they would vote for the school if there were a referendum, but still felt it was necessary to hear the public voice on an issue of such financial magnitude.

Those who urged the board to go ahead with the bond ordinance Tuesday evening held firm on the belief that it is a time-sensitive issue, trusting their elected officials to use their judgment and make a proper decision.

The issue of time came up many times during the public comments as well as comments from the board members.
According to ACIT Superintendent Philip Guenther, the state has committed to pay $16 million of the estimated $40 million cost of the entire renovation-expansion project, which would make the institute a full-time high school for all of its students. That would leave the county paying about $24 million for the project.

Probable cost increases if the project were postponed appeared to be a big factor for those in favor of going ahead without a referendum.

“There has never been a better time to build this,” Freeholder Frank Giordano said Tuesday. “If we wait, it’s going to cost $30 million.”

Freeholder Charles Garrett said that according to precedent, the bond doesn’t need to go on the ballot.
“None of the other technical high schools in the surrounding area went to referendum,” he said. “I don’t think I’m circumventing the voters by voting for this.”

The freeholders who voted against the bond ordinance argued that the cost isn’t likely to increase significantly by the November election.

“I don’t think it’s going to cost more in months,” said Freeholder Joe McDevitt. “I think it’s a great program, but it needs to be approved by the people.”

Board member Thomas Russo echoed McDevitt’s comments.

“It’s a project the county could use, and it will advance our educational system,” he said. “But I don’t think prices will go up in three months.”

The ordinance passed with the minimum number of votes needed for approval, with freeholders Joe McDevitt, Thomas Russo and Richard Dase voting no.