Residents ask Absecon to refund concealed-carry permit fee; council refers the idea to finance committee

During the public-comment portion of the meeting, Absecon resident Sandy Hickerson urged the council to adopt a resolution reimbursing the municipal share (about $150) of the concealed-carry permit fee, calling the charge "absolutely ridiculous." Hickerson said she has pursued the issue with other municipalities and said roughly 16 towns have adopted resolutions returning the municipal portion to applicants.

Council members acknowledged the concern but directed the matter to the finance committee. Council president Rick DeRose and several council members said the proper next step is to discuss feasibility and fiscal impact in committee during budget season. "We'll have the discussion in committee, work through the committee," the council president said, inviting Hickerson to attend the finance meeting scheduled for Feb. 19.

Supporters in the audience backed the proposal. Tony Rockhill, who said he had come from Beachwood to support Hickerson, described the fee as disproportionate to the police work involved and offered a list of municipalities that have issued refunds.

Council members noted operational and fairness considerations, including the police department's time spent on background checks. One council member said some municipalities have issued partial refunds while others returned fees in full. No formal motion to adopt a refund resolution was made that evening; council members instead requested staff and the finance committee to examine the matter and report back.

Next steps: The finance committee will review the request and return a recommendation to the full council; Hickerson indicated she will attend the Feb. 19 finance meeting.