Image by MGN.

SEA ISLE – Beachgoers may have to dig a bit deeper to slip their toes on Sea Isle’s sandy shore this summer. The price of a seasonal beach tag may be going up.

City Commissioners approved the first reading of a new ordinance that will increase the price of a seasonal beach tag from $20.00 to $25.00. Daily and weekly beach tag fees will not increase. The ordinance also calls for the elimination of “free” Wednesdays, where beachgoers were not required to have a beach tag.
According to Council President John Divney, free Wednesdays were developed to bring tourism into the city.

“I was the one who started it. It was to help people. To give them a chance to get people who work on the weekends, like firemen and policemen, to come down to a resort," said Irene Jamison, former head of the Sea Isle City Tourism Commission. "The second idea was if everyone was in Ocean City, they could come over to Sea Isle without a beach tag and look us over.”

“When you stop that you’re going to have a lot of irate people,” said Jamison. “People tell their families to come on Wednesdays,” she added. “Do something once in awhile for your local people.”

According to Divney, the city’s Chamber of Commerce supports the change.

“I’m confused on raising the beach tag fee,” said Steven Hansbury. “All summer long I heard how great the beach tag fee program was.”

“There’s no other town in Cape May County that’s lower,” said Divney, noting that income from beach tag fees goes toward maintaining the city’s beaches.

In addition to beach tags, boaters will see an increase in the fees for boat slips at the 42nd Street Marina as well as increased fees to use the city’s boat ramp. Boat owners currently paying $1,350 for a slip in 2012 will see an increase to $1,530 in 2013. Those paying $1,500 will increase to $1,700; $3,000 to $3,400; $2,250 to $2,550; and $1,875 to $2,125.

The fee for a mercantile license will rise from $100.00 to $125.00.

Other fees will also increase. A copy of the proposed ordinance is available on the city’s website.

The second reading of the ordinance, public hearing and possible adoption, will take place at the Dec. 13 City Council meeting.