A primary focus was on the management and revenue generation from beach tags, as this is a crucial income source for Cape May. The committee reported a 26% increase in beach tag prices, resulting in $3.73 million in revenue, making Cape May the third highest in the state for such earnings. This includes a notable 33% increase in season tag sales. However, a decline of almost 19% in the sales of three-day tags was observed, prompting discussions about potentially phasing them out due to their decreased popularity.

The meeting addressed the importance of aligning beach tag pricing with the costs of beach maintenance and operations. The committee emphasized the need for transparency in how much is invested in maintaining different beach areas, which could inform future pricing strategies. The unique demographic of Cape May, which contributes to higher seasonal tag sales compared to other regions, was highlighted as a factor in these financial considerations.

In addition to beach tag revenues, the committee explored sponsorship opportunities as potential alternative revenue sources. Ideas were floated about engaging organizations like the lifeguard association to sponsor community initiatives, such as a new nature trail. There was a consensus on proceeding cautiously with sponsorships to avoid conflicts of interest and ensure that municipal regulations are respected.

The committee also discussed the environmental implications of a proposed $40 million desalination plant, drawing on a Columbia University report. The potential for using extracted salt in lithium battery production and snow removal was considered, but there was skepticism about the absence of a revenue-sharing component for the city. This highlighted a broader concern about the financial viability of environmental projects without clear economic benefits for Cape May.

A critical aspect of the meeting was the consideration of the city’s surplus policy and bonding schedule. Members underscored the need for a formal policy to manage the surplus size. While bonding is recognized as a valuable financial tool, the committee was cautious about its long-term implications.

Code enforcement was another significant topic, with discussions about the challenges of recruiting personnel and ensuring effective monitoring of compliance. The committee recognized a broader labor pool issue, paralleling difficulties faced in hiring police officers. Suggestions were made to evaluate the current practices to improve fee collection and enforcement efficiency.

The committee also tackled the issue of taxation, expressing concern about rising tax bills attributed to school and county expenses. While the city’s tax rate has remained stable, these external factors continue to affect residents’ overall tax burdens. There was debate about the potential for tax relief, with differing opinions on the impact of county assessments and school funding.

Lastly, the conversation shifted to the city’s fee structure, which had not been updated for many years. The necessity of regular reviews and adjustments to reflect current economic conditions was acknowledged, with suggestions to establish a systematic approach to reviewing fees biannually.