WILDWOOD CREST — Beachgoers will be able to purchase a cold bottle of water from concession stands on the beach next summer.
That is if a bidder comes along who agrees to pay a 50 percent increase in rental fees.
During a Nov. 2 meeting, commissioners passed a resolution authorizing a notice to bidders for a three-year rental of the borough’s six beach concession stands at $75,000 per year.
“I think an increase from $50,000 to $75,000 should include more than water,” said Commissioner Don Cabrera.
“Water should be offered as a public service,” said Borough Administrator Kevin Yecco in response to the need to sell other drinks. “It becomes a public safety issue. We’re not competing with retail businesses.”
The current rental contract allows for the rental of umbrellas, beach chairs and flotation devices. That contract will expire on Dec. 31, 2011. The contract includes six concession stands throughout the borough’s 42 block-long beach.
Bids for the rental contract must be received by the borough by November 22 at 10 a.m.
Moving the bid up to November will allow the municipality to re-bid it for the summer of 2012 if the bid is not realized, said Yecco.
“I’m in favor of offering water,” said Cabrera. “It’s there as a convenience. The business side of me says a $25,000 increase is a large one.”
How much a bottle of water will cost on the beach in light of the increased rental fee may act as a deterrent to beachgoers.
“If it goes from $50,000 to $75,000, the price of water just went up on the beach,” said Cabera.
“Water is water,” said Commissioner Joyce Gould. “If it gets too expensive, they’ll just bring it themselves.”
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