City OKs Full-time Solicitor; Group Opposes Proposed Budget

WILDWOOD – Board of Commissioners voted on an ordinance amending Chapter 1A-7.4, asking for the city solicitor to become a full-time employee during their regular meeting June 25.
The ordinance states that the city’s interest would be better served by a solicitor who serves as a full-time employee, available at City Hall on a daily basis to the commissioners, who has no other clients which may conflict with or distract from work in the interest of the city. The full-time position would allow for benefits of other full-time municipal employees.
In an earlier release, Commissioner Peter Byron said a full-time city solicitor was hired at $175,000, versus a contracted solicitor that cost the city $340,000 a year.
The city solicitor serves as the legal advisor to the board of commissioners regarding city business.
City Solicitor Mary Bittner currently holds the position.
The ordinance passed its public hearing and second reading.
Residents to Petition Proposed Budget and Ordinance
A group of residents calling themselves Wildwood Watchdogs stated they will petition against this newly-adopted ordinance regarding the city solicitor position, as well as the proposed city budget in hopes of getting them both out to voters, according to a statement released by the group June 26.
“We will aggressively seek out this proposed budget and force the insanity to be placed on the ballot as a referendum,” stated the group in an email. “We are confident the people will resoundingly vote no. The majority will not vote to raise their taxes by a full quarter.”
The group also hopes to collect signatures to stop an ordinance allowing the position of city solicitor to become permanent, pensionable or tenured.
The group includes residents who have previously run for or held positions on Wildwood’s Board of Commissioners, including former mayor Gary DeMarzo, former commissioner Edward Harshaw and Dara Baltuskonis.
The group has previously petitioned the city’s plan to bond the funds for a synthetic ice rink on Pacific Avenue and the creation of two new positions in a beach utility.
The petitioners “have the right to do what they want to do,” said Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. Tuesday. “By law, if you’re within your allowances, you don’t have to put the budget out to a vote.”
Commissioners introduced the $25.2-million municipal budget, up $1 million from 2013, during their meeting June 11. The anticipated local tax amount to be raised is $18,052,321, a 6.18 percent increase from last year’s $17,000,979. The anticipated municipal tax rate is $1.27 per $100 of assessed valuation, up 17 cents from last year.
According to a release, 10.1 cents of the proposed tax increase is due to the city’s recent reassessment. The remaining 6.9 cents of the tax increase is for operations, including 6.4 cents dedicated to public safety and the hiring of additional police officers and firefighters.
“We’ll do what’s in the best interest for the safety of the City of Wildwood,” said Troiano. “The 6.4 cents for police officers and firefighters is desperately needed.”
A public hearing, second reading and vote on the city’s budget and tax resolution will be held at City Hall July 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Resolutions
Board of Commissioners passed several resolutions June 25, including the appointment of Jeanne Kilian to the Wildwood Recreation Commission to fill the unexpired term of Carrie Williamson. Kilian’s term will expire Dec. 31, 2018.
The city will purchase a used 2006 Dodge Sprinter 3500 for $10,000 from General Services Administration, GSA FAS Property Management Division.
Commissioners passed an addendum affirming the city’s civil rights policy in regards to all officials, employees, public, etc. Their policy is to treat all in a manner consistent with all applicable civil rights laws and regulations.
An addendum authorizing a professional services contract with Triad Associates for the reconstruction of Boardwalk restrooms at Youngs Avenue to meet current ADA accessibility requirements in the amount of $20,000 also passed.
To contact Erin Haskell, email ehaskell@cmcherald.com.