Ramsey June 8, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 As the cost of keeping up with water standards continues to mount, the Borough of Ramsey has authorized the solicitation of bids for the potential sale of its public water and sewer system assets. The Ramsey Council recently approved a resolution to advertise the potential sale, and the solicitation of bids was posted and advertised on May 31. Bids are scheduled to be opened July 7, and a November referendum would be required before a sale could be effected. “The solicitation of bids does not assure that these assets will be sold,” Ramsey Mayor Christopher Botta said. “Potential bidders will have the opportunity to review documentation, visit facilities, conduct their own due diligence, and determine whether to bid on the water and sewer systems.” Submission of bids will follow, with the bid opening set for next month. The council, in conjunction with the Ramsey Board of Public Works, will then make a decision as to whether it is a viable option for the municipality to go forward with the sale. The key vote, Botta said, would be the fall public referendum, which would be held in November after a bid has been accepted and price and terms set for the sale. The question would be whether the accepted bid and the criteria associated with it are acceptable and in the best interests of the borough’s residents. “This is not something that we have entered into lightly,” Mayor Botta stated. “We have been reviewing and analyzing whether this is an advisable course of action for upwards of two years, through the Board of Public Works and the Council’s Utilities, Buildings and Grounds Committee.” As of last week, Ramsey Borough Administrator Edward Sandve said three interested parties have already picked up bid documents. Net proceeds of any potential sale would be primarily used to pay off existing municipal debt and to stabi- Bids sought for potential sale of water, sewer assets lize municipal taxes pursuant to a well-drawn plan over an extended period of time. “By leveraging the sale of these assets, the borough seeks to avoid the cost and uncertainty of future capital expenditures and environmental unknowns, while at the same time stabilizing municipal taxes for the foreseeable future for our residents. I believe that this process will be in the best interests of our community,” Mayor Botta added. He noted that the three borough staff members employed by the water department would be offered positions within the municipality in a similar or equivalent job if they decide not to accept employment with the potential winning bidder. The borough has also built in limits on any potential rate increases that may be imposed by a potential private owner. The sale would have to be approved by the State Board of Public Utilities, which regulates water systems and sewer systems, and the owner and the system, including rates, would continue to be regulated by the BPU after the completion of any sale. The borough retained a nationally recognized consultant to undertake a valuation study of the system assets, and to review what environmental and water supply issues exist and what issues are on the horizon, and to answer the question as to whether the 14,500 residents of Ramsey should bear the burden of the increasing and mandated costs that are imposed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Federal Environmental Protection Agency to maintain public water and sewer systems. (continued on page 14)  LUKE NEEDS A GOOD HOME  Adorable, loving 2½ year old male pedigreed dachshund available for modest donation to Ramapo Bergen Animal Shelter to the right family in Northwest Bergen County. Neutered, all shots. ������ ���� �������������������������������� ��������������� ������������ Call 201-612-1825 See our website for coupons-������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������ ��������������������� 6-8-11 joan/janine RonRizzo2x2(6-8-11) 2 x 2” Rev1