West Wildwood OKs Budget

WEST WILDWOOD – Borough Commissioners met via Zoom June 3 and unanimously approved the municipality’s 2020 budget.
The meeting was interrupted by a hacker, who posted a pornographic image on the platform. Borough Clerk Donna Frederick was able to locate the hacker and virtually remove them from the meeting.
Despite technical difficulties, the meeting facilitated the agenda and public comment which, according to borough staff, centered on the budget. Residents and second homeowners have experienced tax increases in the recent past, but not this year, according to Chief Financial Officer Elaine Crowley.
Crowley explained the budget during a phone interview June 4, highlighting the 4.8-cent school tax decrease.
“There is no increase this year,” Crowley said, referring to the local purpose tax. The total budget for 2020 rings in at $2.9 million, with the amount expected to be raised by taxes at $2.2 million. In 2019, the local purpose tax was calculated at $1.085 per $100 of assessed value. Taxpayer monies comprised 59.36% of the total 2019 budget.
For 2020, taxpayer assessment is lower at $243,716.
After combining local purpose tax with the local school district tax ($941,557), county purpose tax ($532,019), county library tax ($77, 127) and county open space ($23,360), the estimated amount to be raised in taxes is $3.8 million.
The borough faces the same financial predicament as other shore communities this year due to COVID-19. Financial concerns have been expressed by the Concerned Taxpayers of West Wildwood (CTWWW) in previous meetings. Susan Czwalina, treasurer, CTWW, questioned the rise in employee and spouse health coverage.
The mayor replied that a couple must “choose the plan that is best for them” and remain with the plan. Crowley confirmed that a stipend is available if an employee decides to decline borough coverage.
CTWWW members urged commissioners May 26 to pursue grants to fund the borough’s project to repave, raise, and replace the sewer lines on Poplar Avenue, from Arion to G avenues. A previous bond was rescinded by commissioners and the new bond ordinance provides “$1.3 million in total grants and a maximum $983,000 USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) low-interest loan,” according to the CTWWW website (ctwww.org). As of June 5, the organization supports the borough in the present ordinance.
The borough carries Police Chief Jacquelyn Ferentz’s $5,000 monthly payment installments after her $1.7 million grand jury award in 2017; however, borough officials are pleased with having a “balanced budget” for 2020.
The borough administration did not respond to calls for further comment.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.