W. Wildwood Residents ‘Up in Arms’ Over Tax Increase; Officials Weigh In

WEST WILDWOOD ─ Borough residents and leaders face the possibility of a referendum calling for the dissolving of the police department. Explained by Commissioner Cornelius Maxwell, 20 signatures are needed for a petition and then a special election would follow, putting the matter to a vote.
Since undergoing a mandated revaluation, residents have seen a 10-cent tax rate increase, prompting residents to speak out.
“My taxes went up 29 percent,” said 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.
Maxwell told the Herald Aug. 4, “We (borough) lost $36 million in ratables” due to the revaluation. Mayor Christopher Fox concurred, explaining the 10-cent tax rate increase in order “to keep operating” and provide services.
“We’re (residents) up against the wall,” resident Dennis Fife said Oct. 6. “We can’t afford it.” Fife suggested that either Wildwood or North Wildwood could provide officers.
Commissioner Scott Golden stood firm on maintaining an independent agency and pointed out several factors: if another municipality did oversee law enforcement, borough residents would still contribute to an officer’s salary, pension, and benefits, and summer months bring extra pressure to police, and borough residents may have to wait until an officer could arrive. Any disciplinary action would be at the discretion of the police chief.
Questions also arose concerning the settlement with Police Chief Jacquelyn Ferentz who recently received a $1.165 million “whistleblower” award. Ferentz was suspended in 2008.
“Why did the past administration fire Jackie?” resident Bill Martin asked. Due to legal factors, no comment could be made.
Ferentz was “out” for four years and was later rehired by the borough.
Borough Solicitor Marcus Karavan said certain aspects of the case are being appealed, yet no punitive damages are in the borough’s favor. Now the borough awaits word of who will pay Ferentz’s $1.165 million award.
The Herald met with Borough Administrator Christopher Ridings and Maxwell Oct. 10 to discuss the tension and police department.
According to Ridings, the reevaluation and ongoing litigations created a “perfect storm” in regards to this year’s budget.
“None of us are happy,” said Ridings. Maxwell concurred, “We knew it was going to be tough.”
Maxwell and Ridings sympathize with residents and feel their frustration; however, if the JIF (Joint Insurance Fund) does not pay Ferentz’s settlement, the borough is preparing to borrow state funds.
On Nov. 8, commissioners will meet with the state Local Finance Board to discuss a 30-year plan. According to Maxwell, a 30-year plan would spread the payment process, lessening the tax burden.
“We expect coverage,” Ridings said. Doing due diligence in case of no coverage is a matter of prudence.
“Jackie never wanted to hurt the borough,” Maxwell added, saying Ferentz requested her back-pay to be paid over a four-year period.
Approximately 19 employees were fired during the prior administration. Ridings told the Herald no issues have arisen to that magnitude since the present administration came in 2012.
Maxwell said he wishes more information could be disclosed to the public, but legalities do not permit full disclosure.
Both Maxwell and Ridings described the situation as “painful.”
“We still have Mayberry,” Ridings said.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.