A major focus of the meeting was the budget preparation for the upcoming fiscal year, led by City Manager Paul Dietrich. The committee emphasized the importance of starting the budgeting process earlier than previous years to avoid delays experienced last year. These delays were attributed to necessary auditing work and the need for accurate state figures, which postponed the final budget approval until March. Dietrich aimed to have departmental budgets ready for review by November, though he noted that complete year-end audit information was still pending.

Collective bargaining agreements, especially those related to police and fire department pensions and health benefits, were identified as budget components. Salary increases were highlighted as a major driver of budget escalation, necessitating a strategic approach to budget requests from department heads. Guidelines were provided, advising department heads to plan for a 5% reduction in budget requests, with any additional expenditures requiring justification. Rising costs, particularly in utilities and healthcare, were noted as complicating factors in the budgeting process.

The committee also stressed the need for discipline in managing personnel requests, recommending a thorough justification process for any replacement positions. This approach was intended to ensure that personnel changes were based on necessity rather than routine practice. It was acknowledged that department heads previously had limited insight into the full financial picture of their departments, especially regarding health benefits and other associated expenses, which were often charged to general administration. A shift towards more accurate financial tracking was discussed, including the reallocation of fuel costs from public works to individual departments to provide a clearer view of operating expenses.

Parking fee adjustments emerged as another significant topic, with discussions centered around the longstanding fee structure and the need for updates. The committee considered the implications of differentiating fees between metered and non-metered spots, with proposed increases from $350 to $500 for regular spots and $750 for metered spots. The conversation acknowledged potential emotional backlash from residents in response to significant fee hikes, emphasizing the need for a gradual approach to mitigate opposition.

Logistical challenges related to seasonal versus yearly parking permits were also discussed. The committee suggested simplifying the process by moving to a uniform yearly fee, which could alleviate complications faced by the clerk’s office and public works department. The potential revenue implications of the fee changes were debated, with some members questioning whether the modest increase justified the effort and potential resident dissatisfaction.

The meeting also addressed broader concerns about accommodating increasing visitor numbers in Cape May. Participants expressed skepticism about infrastructure improvements, such as building parking garages, to manage growth. Concerns were raised about the town’s capacity to handle a potential 10% increase in visitors, drawing parallels to a healthcare system reaching capacity.

Committee members explored alternative solutions, such as improving transportation systems to bring visitors to the island without personal vehicles. The recent ordinance in Lower Township regarding e-bike regulations was noted as a growing concern and a potential area for enhanced transportation planning.

The idea of capping the number of visitors or vehicles was suggested as a potential solution to prevent service degradation. There was a consensus on the need for a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted challenges of managing growth, ensuring a positive visitor experience, and balancing the city’s financial responsibilities with community needs.