RESIDENTS PUSH BACK AS OCEAN CITY PROPOSES ANOTHER TAX INCREASE

OCEAN CITY, N.J. — Ocean City’s proposed 2025 budget has stirred growing frustration among residents, who are pushing back against what they see as a pattern of rising taxes without enough cost-cutting efforts from city leaders. The $112.5 million spending plan includes a 7.04% increase in the local purpose tax rate—just one year after a 7.5% hike in 2024. Critics say the trend is putting too much pressure on homeowners, especially as overall property values continue to rise. The proposed rate change would raise the local tax rate from $0.5340 to $0.5716 per $100 of assessed value. For a home valued at $1 million, that would mean an additional $375 in taxes this year.
During a recent City Council meeting, residents voiced concerns about the growing cost of city government, pointing specifically to salaries, pensions, and benefit packages. Some questioned why staffing costs remain the largest portion of the budget while departments continue to grow. There were also calls for increased transparency, a hiring freeze, and structural reform in city operations. The city’s general fund surplus is also shrinking. Officials plan to use $5.5 million of the $10.4 million remaining, down from $11.4 million last year. The budget does not include anticipated grant income, which could supplement revenue over the course of the year. The public will have another chance to weigh in before the budget is finalized at the May 8 council meeting.