Mayor
February 21, 2025
Dear Friends,
At yesterday’s City Council meeting, the city team presented its proposed five-year capital plan for 2025 to 2029. This is a document that helps the city budget for infrastructure improvements over time.
I want to thank City Council for working together with me on these plans over the years. We’ve accomplished an incredible amount, all while remaining responsible to taxpayers.
When I took office in 2010, meaningful capital plans had not been in place for a handful of years, and emergency repairs were just about the only work that got done. Working with Council and consulting with our finance director and outside auditor, we came up with an aggressive plan to catch up on long-neglected projects.
The plan called for us to invest an extra penny on the tax rate each year (about $50 for the average homeowner) to help pay for overdue improvements to every part of Ocean City. The plan was cost-effective, and it worked extremely well. Quality of life for our residents and guests has vastly improved, and the values of our homes – the most important investment we all make – have soared.
The plan projected that fewer projects would be necessary over time, and we would begin to be able to decrease annual funding. Our new capital plan reflects that decrease. From beach to boardwalk to bay — with lots of paved roads and pumping stations in between — there’s much less in town that still has to be fixed. We will now start to see our annual debt-service costs level off in the coming years.
I will provide more detail on the capital plan at my mayor’s town hall meeting tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 22) at 10 a.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle (550 Wesley Avenue). We’re still in the process of putting together our final capital plan and annual budget. This is an ongoing process, and I think it’s important to share information with our residents and taxpayers, so they can provide feedback as these plans take shape.
I will present a draft municipal budget to City Council and deliver a State of the City address to City Council at a public meeting on March 13. That starts a two-month public process that will conclude with a vote on a final budget in May.
City Council yesterday approved a resolution to go out to bid to bring back falcons for our gull abatement program. To make sure we get a highly qualified contractor, we’re going to use a competitive contract process. That will let us consider many factors and not just the lowest bid. The program has been a great success, and I’m looking forward to continuing it.
Council also approved our application to the county open space program to help complete a major renovation of our 34th Street playground and recreational complex. Another approved resolution awarded a contract to repave three streets and 21 alleys. A list is available on the city website. These projects don’t always get as much attention, but they’re just as important.
Ocean City's free military beach tags are now available for pickup. Veterans receive free tags (veteran only), and active military members, spouses and immediate children up to age 23 receive free tags. This year’s design honors Gold Star Mothers in recognition of families who have lost sons or daughters in service of the U.S. Armed Forces. I’m proud that Ocean City can offer these free tags to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. More information on how to get military tags is available here.
Finally, I want to remind you about the Public Safety Recognition Ceremony scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Ocean City Tabernacle. The event honors first responders for exceptional work responding to incidents in the past year. I hope you can come out to pay tribute to the men and women who keep us safe.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
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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.
Jay Gillian, Mayor
Phone: 609-525-9333
Email: mayor@ocnj.us
