Water-sewer improvements planned

FREEHOLD — Water and sewer utility improvements and new equipment for the Freehold Borough Water and Sewer Department are planned as part of the town’s 2014 capital improvement program.

Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina said Mayor Nolan Higgins and the members of the Borough Council have given their nod to the improvements, which were initially discussed in April.

Officials introduced a bond ordinance on May 5 that will provide for the improvements and the acquisition of equipment. The ordinance will be the subject of a public hearing and council vote at an upcoming meeting.

The ordinance will appropriate $930,000 — $900,000 in bonds or notes, and a down payment of $30,000.

According to the ordinance, the improvements authorized to be undertaken consist of various water and sewer utility improvements and acquisitions, including the purchase of a pickup truck, $35,000; manhole rehabilitation, $30,000; an emergency generator at the water plant, $350,000; an emergency generator at the Birch Drive pump station, $150,000; and Manalapan Avenue/Broad Street sewer improvements, $365,000.