The council’s presentation on the preliminary figures for the 2024 municipal budget was a focal point, as it tackled the challenges posed by increased costs for insurance, pensions, and general expenses. To mitigate these rising costs, the council explained their decision to terminate the state health benefits program in favor of a more cost-effective provider, a move that is expected to bring savings to both the borough and its employees. Furthermore, the council emphasized their ongoing efforts to review operating expenses for potential cost savings, which included examining utility bills and considering cheaper alternatives.

Amidst the financial deliberations, the council projected a tax increase that would impact local homeowners. They explained the correlation between property value assessments and tax rates, indicating that for every $117,000 increment in assessed value, taxes would escalate by one cent. This tax hike is part of the council’s strategy to manage the budget effectively while maintaining a healthy surplus to lower taxes in the future and improve the borough’s bond rating.

Shared services and the role of grants in reducing expenses were also highlighted, with council members stressing the importance of these factors in the overall financial health of the borough. In discussions on the budget, the council sought to clarify the impact of new construction on the tax rate and the process and options available for property revaluation appeals.

The council’s focus on capital improvement projects revealed a list of potential endeavors, including beach control enhancements, police station upgrades, and recreational improvements. Concerns were voiced about the clarity of the list, prompting the council to clarify that the list was preliminary. They stressed the need for a bond ordinance and a public hearing before any projects could proceed, and emphasized the importance of public input in these decisions.

Further budgetary discussions encompassed the water utility and marina budgets, with the council pointing out the low debt ratio of the borough and the utilization of surplus funds from the marina for other needs. The seniors in the community were not overlooked, as the council introduced the senior freeze program, designed to offer tax reimbursements to eligible senior citizens, and urged residents to apply before the deadline.

The council also addressed community concerns directly, such as the enforcement of an ordinance regarding the maintenance of the area between the sidewalk and the curb. They advised residents to report specific violations to the code enforcement department. Accessibility issues were also brought up, with residents requesting the installation of a beach access mat at a particular entrance to accommodate those facing mobility challenges.

During the meeting, the council navigated through several ordinances that could impact daily life in Seaside Park. They adopted ordinance 2024-04, involving a capital appropriation of $101,000, and introduced several others, including one to establish municipal budget appropriation limits and a cap bank (ordinance 2024-05), as well as amendments to the municipal code regarding tree removal (ordinance 2024-06). Furthermore, they proposed amendments to fees for junior lifeguard sessions and parking, which led to motions to amend the related ordinances (2024-07 and 2024-08 respectively).

The council also discussed the authorization of events in the community, such as a wedding, a yoga session, and a church service. Additionally, resolutions concerning the Governor’s Council on alcoholism and drug abuse fiscal grant cycle, the purchase of mob mats, tax collection, and salary increases for various positions were addressed.

Public comments included praise for the arrangement of senior lunches and inquiries about the tree regulations, junior lifeguard session fees, parking fees, and event authorizations. The council took the time to respond to these inquiries, providing clarity and engaging in a broader discussion with the public.

Towards the end of the meeting, the council reviewed a quote for the mandatory purchase of an alcohol breath testing machine and discussed a bill introduced in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly regarding occupational heat stress standards. This bill could have implications for seasonal employees and beach control.