Proposed 2021 Beach Fee Changes
Proposed Changes To Beach Fee Ordnance
At the October 21st council meeting, Brigantine Officials proposed two important changes to the City’s Beach Fee Ordinance:
1. Reinstating the two free beach tags with the purchase of a 4X4 beach permit.
2. A $5 increase to the seasonal beach badge fee.
The increase in the seasonal beach badge fee is designed to help offset the anticipated 2021 deficit of almost $400,000 in beach-related revenues to cover the direct costs of operating our beaches.
The projected cost to run all beach operations in 2021 is almost $2 million.
This including Beach Patrol personnel and equipment; Beach Tag Checkers; Public Works employees; equipment for trash collection; beach maintenance and grooming; maintaining restroom facilities and porta potties; the expanded law enforcement presence; and special event needs, to name just a few.
The projected revenue for 2021, under the current fee structure, is about $1.6 million leaving an almost $400,000 deficit.
The City’s goal with the $5 increase is to reduce the financial burden on the taxpayers of Brigantine.
Our philosophy is that the users of the beach should pay the majority of the costs associated with the beach.
A public hearing on the proposed changes will take place at the November 4th City Council Zoom meeting.
