The council dedicated attention to the introduction of the 2025 municipal budget. The budget was presented without any comments from council members before being approved unanimously. The budget is marked by an 8% increase in assessed valuation compared to the previous year and the utilization of $3.4 million from surplus funds. The Chief Financial Officer, Shaina Gestel, highlighted a conservative approach to the budget process. She noted the anticipated impact on revenue due to the end of a municipal relief fund program and uncertainties surrounding a potential donation from Shore Medical Center. The budget also includes stabilization plans for debt service and the introduction of annual bond ordinances. A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for March 27th.

In addition to budgetary matters, Resolution Number 86, which addressed a cybersecurity claim involving the city, was another point of focus and was approved unanimously.

Several resolutions concerning executive sessions were passed without opposition, including one related to attorney-client privilege communication for contractual negotiations between the PBA Patrol, dispatch, and the city. Another resolution authorized a shared facilities service agreement for Municipal Court matters with the City of Ocean City.

Public comments during the meeting revealed community concerns regarding local taxation and city projects. A resident voiced frustration over the proposed budget and local tax rates, comparing them unfavorably to neighboring areas such as Ocean City and urging the council to maintain steady taxes. The resident also questioned the fees and management of the local boat ramp.

Another resident, Christine, criticized the council’s transparency regarding meeting agendas and community commissions. She opposed the idea of adding more benches along the bike path, arguing that funds should prioritize street improvements instead. Christine suggested that the $250,000 allocated for such enhancements should be redirected to address the city’s infrastructure concerns.

In defense of the bike path enhancements, a council member highlighted past successful grant applications that funded recent improvements, emphasizing the benefits these projects bring to the community.

Public participant Steve reiterated concerns about the boat ramp and advocated for the reconsideration of veteran discounts for the upcoming year. The council noted these comments and planned to address them in future meetings.

The meeting saw the approval of a consent agenda, which included four items that were passed unanimously. Old business involved discussions on a municipal approval statement regarding additional bus stops along US Route 9. A council member mentioned that community concerns about bus stop placements led to the state’s withdrawal of the proposal, misinterpreting the city’s outreach as a lack of interest.

The council also approved new business items, including social affair permit applications from the American Legion and VFW Post for upcoming events. The bill list amounting to $1,439 was presented and approved following public comments.