W. Wildwood Residents Question Need for Police Department

CORRECTION: The below story about West Wildwood police chief’s lawsuit incorrectly stated that former mayor Dr. Herbert Frederick had been named in that lawsuit. He was not named. He stated that his name was removed from the lawsuit over a year ago when his attorney subpoenaed the chief’s Police/Fire State Pension buybacks. 
WEST WILDWOOD ─ “The town screamed to keep the police,” said Mayor Christopher Fox in response to a myriad of questions regarding the relevancy and cost of the borough’s police department Aug. 4. 
As the borough staggers beneath a 10-cent tax rate increase, taxpayers continue expressing their frustration to the borough administration and to each other.
“My taxes went up 29 percent,” said resident Don Jacobs who lives in a condominium facing the back bay. According to Jacobs, fellow condo dwellers are “up in arms” in light of their higher taxes despite the devaluation of property.
Commissioner Cornelius Maxwell explained the present situation. “We (borough) lost $36 million in ratables” due to a county-mandated revaluation.
Due to the loss of ratables, taxes increased in order “to keep operating,” according to Fox.
Based on the current tax crisis, another resident asked Fox if the borough could “share more services” with fellow municipalities, including police.
“Wildwood wanted to take over our police in 2006,” Fox replied. According to Fox, residents “screamed” to keep their independent department separate from the City of Wildwood.
Shared services already standing with Wildwood include police dispatch, municipal court, and EMS (emergency medical services).
On Aug. 11, the Herald reached out to Wildwood Police Chief Robert Regalbuto for comment on possible consolidation but no comment was given. 
Responding to Fox, resident Robert Wood inquired, “Why do we need a chief of police?”
Fox countered, “Every department needs structure.” Including the chief and one sergeant, nine officers serve the West Wildwood Police Department.
Police Chief Jacquelyn Ferentz recently received a $1.165 million “whistleblower” lawsuit award from a Cape May County jury. Ferentz accused former Mayor Herbert Frederick of “interfering with police business in 2008.”
According to a recent article, Ferentz, acting chief in 2008, was “suspended from the department, only to be rehired and promoted to police chief after a change in government.”
Fox, Ferentz, and Frederick declined to comment on the previous story.
Michelle Douglass, Ferentz’ attorney, confirmed a “dispute” between the borough and New Jersey Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund (MEL) over who will pay the award.
Another question voiced by West Wildwood taxpayers: will the JIF or borough administration pay Ferentz’s $1.165 million?
According to a previously released article, the “bulk” of Ferentz’s award ($790,000) relates to “distress and emotional damages while the remaining $375,000 relates to economic damages” accrued.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.