CAPE MAY – Cape May City Council introduced an ordinance Tuesday, Oct. 17, that will raise beach tag prices in 2024.
Council discussion identified the factors driving an increase in fees as a need to meet the salary requirements of a new lifeguard union contract, inflationary impacts on regular beach maintenance and potentially setting aside some funds for an architect to begin the design of an expansion of the beach patrol headquarters.
City Manager Michael Voll has identified a need for expanding the locker quarters for female lifeguards, noting that the percentage of female guards has increased significantly since the original design of the building.
Pricing listed in the ordinance shows seasonal tags moving from $30 to $40, with a discounted price of $30 if the seasonal tags are purchased between Dec. 1 and April 30. Weekly tags will be increased from $20 to $25. A daily beach tag will move from $8 to $10.
Cape May will retain its unique three-day tags, with the price moving from $15 to $20.
The rate for commercial beach tags will be increased from $100 to $125.
The ordinance will be on the agenda for a public hearing and vote to adopt at the Tuesday, Nov. 21, council meeting.
Contact the author, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.
