Desiderio Promises Tax-rate Decrease in Annual Update

SEA ISLE CITY – Mayor Leonard Desiderio presented his administration’s 2019 budget proposal and State of the City Address to City Council Feb. 13.
“In 2018, we were in a difficult financial situation. We had a very weak surplus and city services were not what we were hoping for.
“In 2019, I can confidently say we are in different times. Our surplus account is strong, standing at $5.6 million; our overall budget is less than last year’s and we are providing the same services and at the same high level of quality; and we are proposing a half-cent decrease in the municipal tax rate as reflected in this year’s budget following a zero increase last year. I am promising a zero increase next year,” said Desiderio.
The mayor referred several times to the administration’s budget proposal as a long-term plan, not a short-term strategy.” He noted that all Sea Isle citizens could be proud of what their town had accomplished and its attraction to visitors and residents.
“We have finished a number of projects that really are important to Sea Isle City’s high quality of life. These include street paving of more than 60 blocks, replacing sewer pipes and keeping rates down, police initiatives to keep our town as safe as possible including on the boardwalk, and shared services with Ocean City for construction and engineering that are saving us $200,000 each year,” said Desiderio.
“I want to highlight the flood mitigation actions we’ve taken that have meant we in Sea Isle have the highest discount for flood insurance in the state among Class III municipalities. Among these actions, is a warning illumination signage system for street flooding that can be activated by both sensors and manually.
“We also are expecting more beach replenishment; our beaches are in good shape and with Army Corps of Engineers’ assistance we will be keeping them that way.
“This year we will be completing a $1-million project to construct a gazebo, fishing pier and kayak launch near Dealy Field that will be financed with county Open Space funding; in fact, final approval was just given last night (Feb. 12) at the county freeholders’ meeting.” Desiderio is vice director of freeholders.
The mayor specifically referenced the performance of both the municipality’s police force and its beach patrol which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
He concluded by making a request to council that it favorably consider better regulating density and especially institute provisions to move commercial property into residential zoning. “I am a commercial property owner and so I will be directly affected, but I do believe this measure would be in the best interest of Sea Isle, so I sincerely hope that council will work on this recommendation and implement it soon,” the mayor concluded.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.