I am very pleased to announce that on March 26 Sea Isle City’s 2019 Municipal Budget was adopted without any changes. I am also pleased to announce that this year’s budget comes with a half-cent tax decrease, which follows last year’s zero tax increase. This is in addition to a zero-percent increase to Sea Isle City’s water-sewer rates, which marks the sixth year in a row that we have not had an increase in our water-sewer fees.
Furthermore, based on the analysis of all projections, I am committing to another zero tax increase in 2020. Obviously, this is very good news for Sea Isle City’s property owners, and it is proof that the City’s Administration is dedicated to curbing costs while providing all of the services that our residents and visitors expect and enjoy.
Following that important news about our budget, unfortunately I have some less than good news to share about the Townsends Inlet Bridge, which connects Sea Isle City to Avalon. This week, we received notification from the County that the repair project that’s currently taking place on the T.I. Bridge will not be completed as scheduled, and therefore the bridge will not be open in time for the Memorial Day Weekend.
In the weeks ahead, the County will announce a new date for the bridge’s re-opening. In the meantime, let’s hope for the best (including good weather to help workers stay on track) and remain optimistic about the wonderful summer season that is headed our way.
Before the summer arrives, however, keep in mind that spring is a terrific time to be in Sea Isle City – thanks to the many happenings listed on our Calendar of Events. For example, last weekend organizers from Volunteers In Medicine of South Jersey hosted a wonderful fundraiser in support of their free health care clinics, which provide much-needed medical attention to uninsured residents in our area.
My thanks go to all of the people who give their time at “VIM” – including City Councilperson Mary Tighe and Sea Isle City Director of Community Services Kathy Custer, who serve on VIM’s Board of Trustees, VIM Executive Director Jackie Meiluta, and the other Sea Isle City residents who are champions for this worthy cause.
Speaking of springtime events, please join us at Veterans Park tomorrow (Friday, March 29) for our annual Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony, which begins at 3:00 p.m. Many Vietnam Veterans call Sea Isle City their home or their “home away from home,” and each one deserves our thanks – especially after so many Vietnam Vets were treated with disdain when they returned home from that difficult war.
With that in mind, I hope you can attend tomorrow’s ceremony and let our local vets know that they are loved and not forgotten. If you can’t be there tomorrow, please take the time to thank a Vietnam Veteran for his or her service wherever you are – I am certain they will appreciate it.
Another springtime event worth mentioning is Girls Weekend, which takes place April 5, 6 and 7 at participating businesses throughout town. Hosted by the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce & Revitalization, Girls Weekend offers ladies (and gentlemen, too) a fun-filled, three day shopping and dining event that can help shake the winter blues.
For more information about Girls Weekend – and all other events taking place in Sea Isle City in 2019 – go to www.VISITSICNJ.com or stop-by the Sea Isle City Welcome Center at 300 JFK Boulevard.
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to the volunteers of Sea Isle City’s Environmental Commission for all of their hard work. Please mark your calendars now for the Environmental Commission’s annual Spring Beach Clean-Up on Saturday, April 13, and for their new “Green Fair” which will take place at Excursion Park on Saturday, June 8.
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle!
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
