Draft of 2014 municipal budget being discussed at Brigantine City Hall. Brigantine taxpayers could see local tax rate increase by considerable amount. Brigantine auditors say The Golf Links at Brigantine could lose $765,000 in 2014. That’s up from original estimated loss of $547,000.
WATCH VIDEO from MARCH 8, 2014 below:
Download 2014 Budget SLIDE SHOW from auditor here
Download Preliminary 2014 Brigantine City Budget here.
According to the Press of Atlantic City, Brigantine taxpayers could see local tax rate increase. A 2014 draft budget was discussed (Sat, Mar 18) at a public workshop held at City Hall.
Brigantine is keeping within state-mandated 2% cap.
We see the following as key factors for tax hike:
• Successful tax appeals lowered valuations
• City borrowed another $1.4 million
• City golf course lacks 3rd party operator/investor
• Labor costs (2/3 of budget)
• Inability to leverage tourism
• Empty storefronts depress home values
Brigantine auditors say The Golf Links at Brigantine could lose $765,000 in 2014. That’s up from original estimated loss of $547,000. The course made money when the city bought it back in 2002. The recession, Hurricane Sandy and shaky maintenance are all suggested reasons for the decline. A Brigantine Golf Course master plan was received from Stephen Kay. A committee was formed to consider third-party operator/investor.
City operating costs take up approximately 2/3 of tax revenues.
• Insurance to increase by $338,677
• Pension costs to increase by $192,621
• Salaries and wages expected to decrease by attrition
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