Sussex Borough digest

Brookside Park update Sussex Borough received another extension for the completion of restoration of fields at Brookside Park. A long-awaited letter from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) extends the completion deadline to June 15. The borough was waiting for written authorization from FEMA about making additional field modifications while completing restoration from storm damage in 2007. The proposed changes are “within the existing footprint” so the borough is permitted to proceed with the reorganization of the fields. Meetings with local school boards Mayor Chris Parrott and other Sussex Borough municipal representatives attended a joint meeting with the High Point Regional Board of Education on May 3 to discuss the recently defeated school budget. According to the New Jersey School Board Association Web site, “A municipality may - but is not required to - reduce the size of the school tax levy requested by the board. If it makes a cut, the municipality must back up its decision by identifying corresponding reductions in school expenditures. The school board is not bound by these particular spending cuts, but it must live with the tax levy certified by the municipal governing body.” At the special joint meeting Sussex Borough requested a budget reduction of 1.5 percent, capping the total budget increase to 2.5 percent instead of the 4 percent increase proposed by High Point Regional. Sussex officials believe this is a “reasonable request.” There was no formal action taken at the meeting. Another joint meeting between the school board and sending municipalities of Branchville , Frankford, Lafayette, Sussex ,and Wantage is scheduled for May 17. On May 12 Sussex Borough officials were slated to meet with the Sussex-Wantage Board of Education to discuss the defeated K-8 school budget. Eagle Scout presentation Sussex-Wantage Boy Scout Troop 97 participated in the flag ceremony and presented an overview of the Scouting experience to the mayor and council at the May 4 borough council meeting. Eagle Scout and Sussex Borough Councilman Jonathan Rose presented a plaque to new Eagle Scout Christopher Evertz. To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout a boy must have earned 21 merit badges in several categories including first aid, communications and citizenship. Troop 97 meets weekly at the Sussex Elks Lodge. For additional information visit www.bsa97.org. — Terry-Ann Zander