WILDWOOD – The City of Wildwood introduced the 2020 municipal budget April 1 that calls for a 4.8-cent increase in the local tax rate.
According to a release, for the average residential home assessed at $205,000, homeowners will see an approximate $105 increase in their tax bill.
“Although we are not celebrating this tax increase, we believe it is the best rate that can effectively provide the services that residents expect from municipal government,” Mayor Peter Byron stated.
Byron noted that in light of significant increases in city obligations including contractual labor agreements, pension costs, trash and tipping fees, as well as a nearly $200,000 reduction in revenues from court fines, the increase is unavoidable.
Byron stated, “If it wasn’t for major cuts in other city expenses, this year’s increase would have been substantially larger than the proposed amount.”
Byron pointed to the reduction of staffing positions and their related health care costs as a starting point in restructuring city operations to contain future costs and avoid annual tax rate increases.
Commissioners Krista Fitzsimons and Steve Mikulski also expressed their optimism that the 2020 budget will not only meet immediate needs but will provide the framework to reach long-term financial stability. “Obviously none of us welcome increases in our taxes, but Wildwood faces unusual challenges for a shore community and there’s no quick fix.
I believe this budget positions us to move forward in elevating city services while making essential infrastructure improvements and heading off large tax increases in future budgets,” stated Fitzsimons.
Mikulski added that a key intention of the commissioners is to aggressively pursue expanding other sources of revenue to alleviate the city’s reliance on property taxes. Mikulski stated, “I believe Wildwood has substantial potential for meaningful growth by attracting new businesses and private sector development.
The county and city’s initiative in revitalizing Pacific Avenue as well as developing our back-bay are examples of critical projects that will inevitably reduce the burden on local taxpayers.”
The mayor and commissioners acknowledged the efforts of the business administrator, professional staff and the other city employees for their hard work and cooperation in developing this year’s budget.
“My colleagues and I applaud the on-going outstanding commitment of our employees in serving the residents of our city, especially during this tragic Covid-19 pandemic,” concluded Byron.
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