City Council last night voted unanimously to “introduce” the 2026 municipal budget. This is another step in a months-long process leading to a final vote on adoption on May 21.
This is a no-frills budget that properly addresses all the services and improvements that our residents, taxpayers and guests have come to expect. A copy of the introduced budget is available here. Ocean City Finance Director Frank Donato made a detailed presentation to City Council on the proposed 2026 municipal budget last month. Slides and information from the presentation are available here: 2026 Municipal Budget Presentation. Video of the presentation is here. Municipal budgets, audits and financial documents are always available at ocnj.us/finance.
As always, I want to thank Frank and the entire city team for all of the hard work they put in each year to provide the public with the most responsible budget possible.
A group of neighbors came to City Council last night to express their concerns about a 125-foot Verizon cell phone tower proposed to be constructed at 33rd Street and Bay Avenue. Because the selection of this location involves litigation against the city, we can’t make any promises. But all members of City Council and I agreed to work together to see what we can do. We will continue to look for alternatives that meet the needs of cell phone users, Verizon and our neighborhood residents. I will keep everyone updated.
For many years, we’ve been seeking permission for thin-layer dredging. I’m happy to report that the DEP announced yesterday that Ocean City will receive a $5 million dollar grant to restore Shooting Island using this method.
This is a cost-effective and beneficial way to use material dredged from nearby lagoons. This project will build habitat for plants and wildlife, and it will provide a buffer against coastal flooding. Everybody wins: boaters, fishermen, birders, kayakers … anyone who uses the bay. We now have received more than $15 million in grants since 2017 to maintain our bayside.
We had a call on Tuesday with the DEP about beach replenishment. We’re still on a fast track to put everything in place as quickly as possible. More than 91 percent of this project will be paid by our federal and state partners.
The boardwalk reinforcement and redecking from 12th Street to 14th Street was completed today. Crews are now moving on to replace the ramps to the street and the beach on those blocks.
City Council last night approved the first reading of a new ordinance that would prohibit parking any type of trailer and construction vehicles next to playgrounds and recreation fields. This is a safety issue, and it was requested by families using these facilities.
The new parking area behind City Hall at the corner of Ninth Street and Central Avenue is now paved. It will be striped next week and provide more downtown parking for the summer. The entire parking area along Central Avenue between Eighth Street and Ninth Street will be reconfigured in the fall to maximize the number of available spaces.
The Ocean City Dog Park will be closed starting on Monday to allow for the construction of new sidewalks and curbing. It should reopen before the end of the week. The parking lot will be paved in May. I want to thank the patrons of the Dog Park for their patience during these improvements to the facility.
Tomorrow is National Prescription Drug Takeback Day. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., anybody can drop off unneeded medications at the library or at the new police substation at 8th Street and Boardwalk. These drugs can become a gateway to addiction. More information is available here.
I’m sad to report on the loss of two beloved members of our community: Patricia Larkin and Sherry Migliaccio. I knew Patricia best as a volunteer with Shore Medical Center’s Women’s Auxiliary, and she lived a life of 95 years, always committed to learning something new and raising a family of six children, 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Sherry grew up in Ocean City and her family included her husband, Leonard, a proud veteran, and a son, Keith Creamer, who was a long-time city employee. Please join Michele and me in extending deepest condolences to the families and friends of Patricia and Sherry.
I hope you all have a great weekend. Our Sports Memorabilia Show runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Music Pier. Flyers great John LeClair and Phillies legend Larry Bowa will appear Saturday for a Q&A, and Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell will appear on Sunday. More information is available here. Take a look below for this week's "Inside City Hall" with a special look at the Senior Center Prom, HERO Campaign in our schools, veterans' banners on the Boardwalk and more.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian Mayor
Sign up to receive email alerts about this weekly mayor's update.
Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!
Ocean City is a town rich in history and a deep sense of community. Families have been vacationing in Ocean City for generations and many have made Ocean City their year-round home.
Our residents enjoy award-winning schools, world-class recreation facilities and outstanding municipal services from all city departments, including Police, Fire and Rescue, and Beach Patrol. Residents participate in activities for every age and interest including the cultural arts, music and theater as well as sports and recreation programs available at our many parks, playgrounds and city facilities. One of our local treasures is the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue, where families and individuals can enjoy the Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City Arts Center, Ocean City Historical Museum, Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, and the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center under one roof.
The city also maintains and operates a municipal airport, 12-hole golf course, Aquatic and Fitness Center as well as the famed Ocean City Pops Orchestra.
Ocean City is also host to more than 200 family-friendly special events held year-round. Many of our events are popular family traditions, including the Night in Venice Boat Parade in July, the Baby Parade in August, our mile-long block parties in May and October, and our family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration.
If you are vacationing in Ocean City, I know you’ll enjoy our seven miles of beautiful beaches and exciting Boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and amusements. And be sure to visit our unique and charming downtown shops and restaurants located in the heart of town on Asbury Avenue.
I am truly proud to serve as mayor for this great community and hope you and your family enjoy your time in America’s Greatest Family Resort.
Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!