As we brave the cold and crawl towards summer 2017, towns along the Jersey coastline are deciding what to do with their beach badge fees: keep them the same as last year or raise the price for stepping on the sand.

beach badges
Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media NJ
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After upping badge prices last summer, Seaside Heights is considering another hike this year.

According to Borough Administrator Christopher Vaz, daily fees would rise from $7 to $8 to fall in line with weekend/holiday prices. Seasonal badges purchased before May 15 would rise $10 and purchases after May 15 would cost $5 more than last year. Weekly badges and senior badges would not change in price.

"Seaside Heights reduced beach fees after Sandy in order to encourage people to visit our beach," Vaz said in an emailed statement to New Jersey 101.5. "The 2016 fee increase and pending fee increase are raising beach fees back to pre-Sandy levels."

The latest ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing next week.

Beach revenue for Seaside Heights, which goes towards beach-related costs such as staffing and cleanup, increased from 2015 to 2016. That increase is believed to be attributed to the fee increase and not an increase in the number of paying visitors.

Avalon and Stone Harbor are increasing their daily badge prices by $1, according to reports.

Along the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, a spokesperson for Jenkinson's said there's been no decision yet on 2017 badge prices. That decision could be made as early as this month or as late as May.

As it's done the last couple years, Asbury Park will keep its beach fee schedule the same this summer, according to beach manager Garrett Giverson.

A daily pass Monday through Friday is $5 person (over the age of 12). On the weekends, it's $7.

"I'd rather have more people coming in at a lesser price, which really equates to more money in the overall picture," Giverson said. "It also provides people a little extra money to spend on our retail we offer on our boardwalk."

Beach fees will remain the same in Long Branch as well, officials said.

Getting on the sand is free in Atlantic City, Strathmere and the Wildwoods.

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Contact reporter Dino Flammia at dino.flammia@townsquaremedia.com.

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