Vineland advances $3.5 million bond ordinance for well treatment and utility upgrades

Vineland advances $3.5 million bond ordinance for well treatment and utility upgradesThe New Jersey municipality has approved the first reading of a funding package that will direct $2.15 million toward air strippers and media replacement at critical groundwater wells.

The City Council unanimously approved the first reading of Ordinance 2026-19, appropriating $3.48 million for water utility improvements.

The package authorizes $1.68 million in new bonds or notes, supported by $1.8 million from the city's Capital Improvement Fund.

Major treatment investments include $1.4 million for media replacement at Wells 5 and 12, and $750,000 for an air stripper at Wells 8 and 12.

A final public hearing and reading for the ordinance is scheduled for April 14, 2026.

The Vineland City Council has unanimously approved the first reading of a $3.48 million bond ordinance to finance a suite of capital improvements for the municipal water utility. The measure, advanced during the council's March 24, 2026 meeting, will rely on $1.68 million in newly authorized bonds and notes, supplemented by an $1.8 million drawdown from the city's Capital Improvement Fund. The funding package is heavily weighted toward groundwater treatment and well maintenance. The largest single line item is a $1.4 million allocation to replace filter media at Wells 5 and 12, a cost fully covered by the Capital Improvement Fund. An additional $750,000 is earmarked for the acquisition and installation of a new air stripper to serve Wells 8 and 12. Further well-related expenditures include $200,000 for general well upgrades, such as switches and plugs at various locations, and another $200,000 dedicated to the redevelopment of existing wells. Beyond treatment and extraction infrastructure, the ordinance allocates $500,000 for structural improvements to the Water Utility Building, specifically covering roof repairs and a garage extension. The remaining $430,000 is designated for the acquisition of new vehicles and transportation equipment for the utility. The council passed the first reading without debate, with President Spinelli, Vice President Gomez, and Council Members Arthur, English, and Vargas all voting in favor. A public hearing and final vote on the ordinance are scheduled for April 14, 2026.