W. Wildwood Faces Tax Hike; Auxiliary Regroups after Storm

WEST WILDWOOD ─ The borough’s mayor and commissioners met March 4 along with residents who faithfully attend; although the meeting was brief and the crowd smaller, several matters of importance face the borough as it continues to “regroup” after Winter Storm Jonas.
With the promise of spring, Mayor Christopher Fox adjourned the meeting with hopes of seeing everyone again “when it’s warmer.”
After approval of closed (executive) session minutes, an “Open Space lease renewal letter” for Neptune Avenue was accepted. According to Fox, the renewed lease is “for two additional 15 years” in regard to the park.
Under ordinances, the borough’s 2016 budget was introduced for first reading along with establishing a cap bank. Despite efforts of commissioners, a 1.8-cent tax increase, from 67.8 cents per $100 of assessed value to 69.6 cents per $100 of assessed value, faces West Wildwood residents.
Fox attributed the rise to storm spending (clean-up), former debt, and raises in borough salaries. “We don’t like it,” Fox said, “but we are getting over the top.”
Twelve resolutions went before commissioners as well. An appointment was made for “employment practices liability helpline Atlantic County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund” and budget transfers for budget year 2015 were also approved.
The roster of active firefighters, Ladies Auxiliary members, and junior firefighters was formally recognized and a second temporary budget was accepted for 2016.
R.A. Walters received a contract for “the emergency replacement construction of a bulkhead at Lusk Park.” The location is the playground at the end of Glenwood Avenue and bay. Repairs required, as a result of Winter Storm Jonas, were included in the borough engineer’s application “with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and. . .Infrastructure Trust” for improvements to the borough’s storm-water system.
During commissioners’ reports, Maureen Smith, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, announced, “We’ve been hit with flood waters in our homes.”
According to Smith, the March soup take-out has been cancelled due to several ladies “not having stoves” in their homes. Smith assured commissioners and residents that the auxiliary supports the fire department and will “regroup.” “We are going to take a step back,” said Smith.
Commissioner Scott Golden announced that the borough plans to complete storm clean-up March 16. According to Golden, 843 tons of debris has been removed. Golden also “put a rumor to rest:” the street sweeper was not damaged during Jonas and will be “out and about” as warmer weather arrives.
Fox recently met with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to discuss funding options for outfall pipes to reduce flooding and water lying in streets.
Fox hopes for low-interest loans or grants. “You folks are incredible,” Fox said.
With all the clean-up and process of filing for grants, Fox assured residents that borough officials are “trying to stay on top of it.”
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.