Ventnor commission introduces 2025 municipal budget, schedules April 10 public hearing

The Ventnor City Commission voted to introduce the municipal budget for fiscal year 2025 on March 13, starting the formal public-comment period that culminates in a public hearing on April 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building. Commissioner Landgraf moved to introduce Resolution 2025-105; the motion carried on a roll-call vote with all members voting yes.

Leon, the commission’s budget presenter, told the board that underlying cost pressures have pushed spending upward, citing increased insurance, utility costs and employee compensation. “Your tax increase is 3.19 right now,” he said, noting that the figure was set for introduction. He described aggregate salary increases of about 4.1% and highlighted a $313,000 rise in the police-and-fire pension and roughly $270,000 in higher health-insurance costs. Utility expenses were described as up by about $100,000. Leon also said the town recorded a one-time fund-balance decrease (quoted in the discussion as $1,000,001.96) but expects much of that to be recovered when outstanding grant reimbursements are received.

Clerk Lisa Hann read the budget title and the notice that the tax-resolution public hearing will be published and held on April 10. Commissioners emphasized that, while the municipality could legally raise more revenue under the levy-cap rules, the commission did not intend to do so and discussed using available ratables and a portion of fund balance to mitigate the impact on homeowners. Staff noted that grant receivables, once reimbursed, will improve the fund-balance position.

Next steps: the budget is open for public comment between now and the April 10 hearing; the commission may not officially amend the budget until after that public hearing.