Dear Friends,
I learned this week that Ocean City will retain its exceptional AA rating as we prepare to issue $38.8 million in bonds to help pay for infrastructure projects. The news is important because the rating will lead to low interest rates that will save taxpayers millions of dollars over the life of the bonds. In its report supporting the rating, S&P Global Ratings noted Ocean City’s “strong economy … strong management … strong budgetary performance … strong budgetary flexibility … very strong liquidity … and strong institutional framework score.” The report provides validation of the expertise and sound practices of our financial team, and I hope you’ll take the time to read the full report here .
The strong bond rating also will help us continue to make responsible investments in road and drainage projects, dredging and other important infrastructure work.
I also learned this week that Comcast plans to close its customer service center in Ocean City on Nov. 18. The city has always believed that it’s incredibly important for Comcast to maintain a presence in Ocean City. We’ve gone to extraordinary lengths – including providing space for their local service center at no cost – to try to keep them in town. While the company is directing customers to online services or full-service centers in Mays Landing or Rio Grande, I share the disappointment of many of our residents at the decision to close the Ocean City location.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, city team members donned pink in October. There are very few families in our community who have not been affected in some way by breast cancer, and it’s my hope that we all can help the American Cancer Society to better prevent, detect and treat the disease. See a slideshow of Ocean City employees in pink .
The bridges on the Route 52 causeway will be lit red and white in recognition of the Ocean City High School 50th reunion on Saturday at the Ocean City Yacht Club. Best wishes to the Class of 1966. The lights will turn orange on Sunday and Monday for Halloween.
I’d like to thank all the Exchange Club, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and city team members who helped put on the 69th annual Halloween Parade on Thursday. Even though the weather did not fully cooperate, the parade was a genuine treat for a lot of Ocean City families. It’s become a favorite fall tradition.
Downtown trick-or-treating is 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at participating merchants on Asbury Avenue, and the citywide trick-or-treating will be 5 to 8 p.m. on Halloween Monday. Please be safe and enjoy the holiday.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian Mayor
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