SEA ISLE CITY – Sea Isle City Council formally introduced the 2023 budget Feb. 28. The budget proposes no local purpose tax increase and no rise in water and sewer fees.
The $28.5 million general fund operating budget anticipates a $1.8 million increase in spending covered by an expected increase in miscellaneous revenues and a greater use of surplus funds.
At the start of the budget process, Sea Isle City’s surplus stood at a record high of $8.76 million, of which $4.7 million is allocated to the 2023 budget.
The Water and Sewer Utility budget for 2023 is $10.3 million, an increase of almost $1 million over the 2022 budget 2022. There are no increases in water and sewer fees largely because of a heavier use of the utility’s surplus to offset the growth in anticipated spending.
Major areas of general fund expense include salary and wages at 38% of total expense, other operating expenses at 28%, and debt service at 21%.
The budget is expected to come up for adoption at the March 28 council meeting. The vote will be prefaced with a public hearing.
