Mayor Gillian Pushes Forward with $125 Million Budget Proposal

Mayor Jay Gillian has proposed a $125M budget, which includes a tax rate increase: here’s what you need to know.

Let’s start off with the big question.. how much are your taxes going to increase, and how much funding is coming from grants?

According to Gillian, the average city tax bill will increase by $242.

Gillian emphasized that the city has received $56,000,000 in grant funds, in addition to a separate $100,000,000 grant dedicated solely to beach replenishment. Despite this funding, taxpayers will still be responsible for covering $74 million of the budget.

So, what exactly is the plan for the increased city spending?

Public safety, city services, and city investment were all causes cited by Gillian. These are typical expenses required to keep our first responders paid & infrastructure.

It’s worth noting the city continues to outline spending for the orchestra, a summer concert series (ft. the Beach Boys), special Olympics, and a jitney service.

Gillian calls on council to look at other options to raise funds, cited controversial fee on rentals as idea.

The mayor also urged the council to work with him in exploring new revenue solutions, even citing his (prev. dropped) controversial fee that would be placed on some vacation rentals.

According to the 2023 state report, avg. taxes in OCNJ ($6,811) were slightly higher than the average for Cape May County. Assuming this proposal goes through, expect that number to increase.

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