Borough Dispels Misinformation

WEST WILDWOOD ─ Borough residents and administration met April 1, gathering to hear and discuss affairs affecting the borough and “misinformation” circulating in the community.
Many residents attended, including those who call the borough their second home, and participated. Questions came before the commissioners concerning continued storm clean-up, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance in raising homes, and the reason behind the 1.8-cent tax rate increase.
Mayor Christopher Fox’s reply to the collection of questions was no laughing matter, in spite of the date’s reputation for practical jokes: “We try to do what is good for you folks.”
The meeting began with Municipal Clerk Donna Frederick announcing a “Certificate of determination from the chief financial officer regarding the award and issuance of bond anticipation notes.”
According to Frederick, the chief financial officer has issued the certificate as the borough looks to pass its 2016 budget. An ordinance was then presented “to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits and to establish a cap bank.” With no questions or comments from the public the ordinance passed upon second reading.
Under resolutions, “eligibility” to conduct a “self-examination” concerning the 2016 budget was declared and passed unanimously.
Fox then opened the floor for any questions concerning the 2016 budget; with no questions or comment, the reading of budget by title only passed.
As later explained by Fox, residents will face 1.8-cent increase in their tax rate. In previous meetings, Fox and commissioners have stated “we are not happy about it,” but due to storm spending (clean-up), former debt, and raises in borough salaries, an increase ensued.
According to several residents, a postcard was delivered stating that the borough’s tax “assessment base is $877 million.”
Allegedly, according to the postcard, “Fox, Maxwell and Golden are collecting an extra $162,000” because of the evaluation. Commissioners assured residents that only $42,000 extra was being collected.
“Please call,” urged Fox. “We’ll tell you if it’s true or not.”
Resident Rita Durst expressed her displeasure at the postcard and its information, saying “I wish people would come out to the meetings.”
West Wildwood is also looking ahead toward the summer as an agreement with Cape May County permitting “the borough to hold a Fourth of July parade on Glenwood Avenue” and an “American Family Festival on Glenwood Avenue” came before the board.
Scheduled for July 23, the festival’s theme is “Christmas in July.” “We’re really going all out this year,” said Fox. Plans to decorate the borough are underway and residents were encouraged to participate.
During commissioners’ reports, Maureen Smith, president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary, announced that the auxiliary “will be selling tickets for hoagies and a bag of chips from Bill’s Corner Deli.”
Beginning April 18, the combination will continue until May 16 and the auxiliary will accrue $2 per hoagie sold. “We were going to rest on our laurels,” explained Smith, “but we needed to do a little something.” Suggested by the vice president, selling hoagies will benefit the West Wildwood Fire Department.
Fox opened the floor for public comment and was met with a variety of questions.
One resident expressed concern at the number of police calls made during March. Fox, who had read the police report, gave the total of reports at 1,329.
“You’d be surprised what comes over that bridge,” Fox replied. He explained that property checks comprise most of the reports and how residents often leave “properties open.”
According to Fox, rumors of merging with Wildwood Police Department are false: “We will not let them (West Wildwood Police Department) go,” Fox said.
Another resident praised commissioners for finishing clean-up from Winter Storm Jonas but also urged the board to continue their efforts.
Another question arose concerning any grants for raising homes due to flood waters.
Borough Administrator Chris Ridings explained the borough’s lack of involvement in the Blue Acres Program. According to him, Blue Acres allows homeowners to sell their damaged homes and then the homes are often torn down and the properties left vacant.
Due to these factors, the borough would not be able to accumulate taxes from the vacant properties. Ridings finished describing the borough’s position in obtaining grants, in light of the program, as a “poison pill.”
Commissioner Scott Golden announced that the borough is “waiting on a design” from the Stevens Institute as a natural reef will be installed.
“You will see more road work,” Fox concurred with Golden as he described further work to be accomplished.
“It may cost some money.” Fox believes that although taxes did increase, the money will be “well spent” as the borough moves forward.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.