Somers Point council reorders leadership, approves temporary 2026 budget and slate of appointments

Somers Point — The Somers Point City Council on Jan. 2, 2026 held its annual reorganization meeting, swearing in newly elected and returning council members, electing council leadership for 2026 and approving a temporary city budget and a broad slate of appointments and contracts.

Mayor Dennis Tapp opened the meeting and reviewed accomplishments and projects from 2025, saying Somers Point “continues to grow and thrive” as the council moved through ceremonial proclamations and routine appointments. The meeting included the swearing in of the Ward 1 and Ward 2 council members, the election of a council president and president pro tem, approval of the temporary budget, and the passage of more than 20 resolutions covering legal, planning and advisory appointments.

The most immediate procedural items included the swearing in of the Ward 1 council member, who identifies himself in the oath as Sean McQueen, and Ward 2 council member Morgan Slaughter. Council then opened nominations for council president for 2026; following a roll-call vote Councilmember Garrity was elected president. Janice Johnson was…