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Community Corner

County Officials Considering 'All Options' for Local Stables

Union County officials are trying to stop Watchung Stables from going further into the red - privatization is an option.

Union County officials are trying to figure out how to stop a county-owned horseback riding and recreation park used by many Scotch Plains and Fanwood residents from going further into the red. 

The first step the county is taking is to raise rates at Watchung Stables in Mountainside. Rates will rise by about 22% in July. A one hour trail ride on the weekend will go from $23 for in county residents to $28. A one hour horse rental fee on the weekend will increase by $4 to $27. The rates for lessons will also go up.

According to Union County spokesman Sebastian D'Elia, the county spends $750,000 every year to operate the stables. D'Elia said the stables doesn't generate any money for the county and is actually costing the county money. D'Elia said the county is exploring many options, including privatization, in order to turn the stables into a money-maker instead of a money-loser.

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"The County of Union will continue to have dialogues, and explore all options and opportunities to increase efficiencies and make improvements with programs and services—including the Stables--as they arise and as warranted," D'Elia said.

Patty Jordan, president of the Watchung Stables Auxiliary, worries that privatization would force rates at the stables to skyrocket, even more then July's increase.

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"We're afraid that going private is going to raise the rates so high that a good amount of kids that ride there now will not be able to afford it," Jordan said.

Jordan has been placing petitions for people to sign against privatization around local delis and stores. She said many children take riding lessons at Watchung Stables and it's one of the more affordable stables in the area. She said the stables is an important part of the community because it brings together local children to teach them life lessons at an affordable cost.

"It teaches them sportsmanship. They learn a lot about discipline. It's a great atmosphere for the kids," Jordan said.

Jordan said she understands why county officials have to raise the rates in July because the rates have not been raised in a while. But she worries that privatization would make the stables unaffordable. 

"With privatization we figure the rates would be so out of control," Jordan said.

D'Elia said privatization is only one of the options on the table. He said raising the rates in July is a productive step in trying to close the stables' revenue gap.

"It's a step in the right direction to stem the flow of red ink," D'Elia said.

D'Elia said in the meantime the county is continuing to make improvements to the stables to make it more attractive to visitors. He said the county has authorized more than $600,000 in improvements in recent months, including redoing the main lane and putting heat in the barn. Union County has owned and operated Watchung Stables since 1933.

"It's [Watchung Stables] one of the signature services the county has provided for years. It's part of what makes our parks system unique," D'Elia said.

In the meantime, Jordan said she will continue to ask those who use the stables to sign the anti-privatization petition just in case the county starts to head in that direction. She said, if need be, the auxiliary has put aside money to hire an attorney.

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