Wildwood Residents to Vote on Beach Fees

Wildwood officials will hold a special election March 5 to ask voters if they want beach fees.

The badges would cost $5 daily, $10 for three days, and $15 for a week. Seasonal badges would cost $15 before April 1 and $25 after that.

Voters rejected beach badges in 1976 and 1981.

It costs Wildwood about $2 million to maintain the beach. Taxpayers cover part, and the rest come from a tourism authority from tax revenues generated by visitors.

Authority director John Siciliano tells The Press of Atlantic City the town would no longer receive the funds if it charges to use the beach.

Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. says the budget is $1.6 million short, adding taxpayers can no longer shoulder the burden.

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