WEST CAPE MAY — Borough Commission approved its $3,839,238 municipal budget April 9 with no increase in the local purpose tax rate, which will stay at 43.1 cents per $100 of assessed value.
The local purpose tax levy will increase $30,000, or 1.3 percent, to $2,335,221.
Assessed property value has increased $7 million, or 1.3 percent, to $542 million. The budget uses $680,000 of surplus funds of an available $1.5 million, leaving a $822,475 balance.
Salaries and wages are up $24,800, or 3.2 percent, to $758,850.
Auditor Leon Costello said the budget increased $3,780 to $1.5 million.
“This process started back in February with a very productive workshop, and I thank everybody for their participation,” Chief Financial Officer Frank Donato said. “We’re here tonight for adoption, and we’re happy to report that the budget before you has no increase to the local tax rate.”
Donato summarized the budget and explained the municipality’s success with it. There are increases in local revenues and the general fund balance.
“Last week, the state Department of Community Affairs issued us the notice to adopt the budget,” Donato said. “We appreciate everyone’s participation in the process.”
The commission approved two ordinances governing water conservation and water emergencies, an issue on which commissioners have struggled to agree.
“We’ve had some robust conversations,” Mayor Sabo said before opening the meeting to the public.
“On behalf of the Environmental Commission, we’d like to thank you for your work on this,” one resident said. “Water is essential for life, and yet it’s the most threatened resource. By adopting water-conservation measures, we can adapt to water challenges and mitigate the worst effects.”
One resident expressed concerns about the borough’s penalties for violating the ordinance. Deputy Mayor George Dick clarified the worry.
“The first penalty is a warning,” Dick said. “We’re trying to educate people at first.”
The public commented positively on the ordinance and seemed generally happy that the borough is prioritizing the environment.
“I don’t think this ordinance is asking anything of the people who live here out of the ordinary,” another resident said. “I think we all need to use our common sense on how we’re treating planet Earth. So I ask you to please consider passing this ordinance for our future.”
Commissioner Giacomo Antonicello continued to express his disdain with the ordinance’s wording. He said he is concerned that people will sue if they are fined for violating the ordinance and voted against it.
“The whole thing is absurd,” he said. “It’s like people have nothing to do but create crazy ordinances. We have laws in place. I don’t want the police coming at me because you were using the ordinance. It just doesn’t make any sense to me. I came here to vote on serious things.”
He said he is in favor of the water emergency ordinance but continues to be apprehensive about the water conservation ordinance.
Commissioners also discussed an ordinance to amend the borough’s code regarding license renewal fees for cannabis establishments.
Two residents spoke during the final public comments section of the meeting to express concerns about marijuana dispensary Shorehouse Canna.
“None of you has any idea what’s happening on that corner,” a resident said. “Not only is it a safety issue, but an absolute circus any day of the week. Nothing has been addressed or done.”
The concerns regarded traffic, parking and public disruption.
By JULIA DIGERONIMO/For the Star and Wave
