In a 6-0 vote on Thursday, City Council passed the first reading of an ordinance that would give free beach tags to all military veterans.
A public hearing and potentially final vote on the measure is scheduled for April 24.
The ordinance would eliminate the fees for anybody who has served in the U.S. military for at least 90 days.
Ocean City collected $3.9 million in beach tag revenue in 2013, and the meeting included no discussion of any potential impact on revenue.
“My thinking is that it’s a small matter,” said Councilman Pete Guinosso, who recused himself from the vote as the only veteran on the seven-member council.
The measure was sponsored by Councilman Keith Hartzell, Councilman Mike Allegretto and Council President Tony Wilson.
The proposed amendment reads as follows:
“No fees shall be charged to or collected from persons who have served in any of the Armed Forces of the United States and who were discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable and who either have served at least 90 days in active duty or have been discharged or released from active duty by reason of a service-incurred injury or disability. … The Director of Financial Management shall also establish procedures pursuant to the rules and regulations promulgated by the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs pertaining to veteran eligibility for this beach fee exemption.”
While the ordinance designates Finance Director Frank Donato to come up with a procedure, it appears as if the city is leaning toward designating a single location (City Hall) for verification of veteran status and distribution of the free tags.
“We need to make sure it goes to the people that fully deserve it,” Hartzell said.
The local measure is made possible by a bill Gov. Chris Christie signed in January permitting towns to provide the free or discounted beach tags to veterans.
Ocean City already offers free beach tags for active-duty members and their spouses and children. City Council passed that measure in October 2011.
Ocean City has charged for access to public beaches since the 1970s. Seasonal beach tags cost $20 (if purchased before June 1) and $25 during the season. All persons age 12 and older must purchase a beach tag to use the beach between June 7 and Sept. 1.
Beach tags can be purchased online (with a $5 shipping fee): Order Ocean City NJ Beach Tags.
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