Dear Friends,
I’m happy to report that Ocean City received a clean audit report for the past year without any corrective findings or recommendations.
Detailed audits are required by the state for all municipalities and conducted by outside accounting firms to ensure that sound financial practices are maintained. Because city budgets are so complex, it’s very common for auditors to make recommendations. But Ocean City has not received a single finding or recommendation since 2008.
The clean audits are testament to the hard work, experience and professionalism of Financial Director Frank Donato, his staff and the entire city team. They’re also an important factor in the exceptional AA bond ratings that help Ocean City borrow money at low interest rates. That allows us to continue our aggressive capital plans.
On Thursday, City Council approved the first reading of a bond ordinance that appropriates almost $19 million for work throughout the city, mostly for drainage projects and road improvements. The ordinance puts money in place for major work in two of the most flood-prone neighborhoods in Ocean City: the areas surrounding the Simpson-Haven-West corridor between First Street and Eighth Street, and between 26th Street and 34th Street. Both projects will utilize pumping stations to help remove water from flooded streets more quickly.
While no design will be able to prevent all flooding at low elevations on our island, this work will make a significant difference in quality of life for residents, and Ocean City remains committed to seeing these projects done right and done as quickly as possible. A public meeting to solicit feedback on detailed plans for the 26th-to-34th project is scheduled for August 30 at the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center. An exhaustive and ongoing permitting process will dictate the final schedule for both projects.
Finally, I’d like to encourage everybody to take advantage of all that Ocean City has to offer in the final month of the season. August is here, and there are still plenty of great events to be enjoyed. If you haven’t already, get out to see shows by the Ocean City Pops, the Ocean City Theater Company or in the Monday night concert series (the Bacon Brothers, Citizen Cope, Lucinda Williams and Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin tribute bands are on the schedule). Visit the box office at the Ocean City Music Pier or check for tickets at ocnj.us/boxoffice.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
