Commissioners director talks new budget, coastal protection, climate rules, housing at airport
SEA ISLE CITY — “I am pleased to report that Cape May County remains in a very strong financial position and our future remains bright,” Board of Commissioners Director Len Desiderio said last week.
Speaking to a house packed full of Cape May County Chamber of Commerce members in Sea Isle City, where he also serves as mayor, he welcomed everyone to the “capital of Cape May County.”
Desiderio covered the county budget (another tax rate decrease), climate regulations (litigation continues), coastal protection (legislators on it) and the airport (more development sought) among other issues affecting the 16 municipalities and their residents and visitors.
“As a board, our most important responsibility is ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, responsibly and with the highest level of accountability,” Desiderio said. “Every decision we make must reflect our commitment to the residents, families and businesses who call Cape May County their home.”
County budget
For the fourth straight year, the county tax rate has decreased, this time by .9 cents to 16 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Spending is down $943,325 in the $223,271,378 budget.
“We have relied on zero-based budgeting, a process that requires every department to justify its expenses from the ground up, clearly defining what is required to serve the public in the coming year,” he said. “This approach promotes efficiency, accountability and thoughtful planning throughout county government.”
At the same time, the county’s net ratable valuation has risen $7.55 billion to $104.7 billion, an increase of 7.8 percent.
“Because of this growth, one penny on the tax rate now generates $10,473,323, which is more than $1 million greater than last year,” Desiderio said.
About 75 percent of the county budget is funded through the tax levy, while the remaining 25 percent is supported through grants and anticipated revenues.
“By aggressively pursuing outside funding and maintaining careful oversight of spending, we continue to maximize value and improve efficiencies,” he said. “The county’s debt service remains stable and our surplus is strong, increasing by almost $2 million year-over-year, maintaining a healthy reserve.”
Infrastructure investments continue to be a top priority for the Board of Commissioners.
The 2026 capital program includes funding for road maintenance paving, road reconstruction, bridge improvements, HVAC upgrades, information technology enhancements and facility improvements.
The board continues to fund smaller projects without incurring debt, including the second phase of the county veterans cemetery, which is under way.
While the county is the only one in the state without a homeless shelter, the budget includes $552,000 in operational funding and $250,000 in capital funding to support the development of programming aimed at assisting the homeless population.
“While this initiative is still in the development phase, it represents an important step toward addressing a complex issue that affects communities across our country,” Desiderio said.
Climate regulations
The director said one of the key issues facing New Jersey residents is the state’s recently adopted NJ PACT-REAL rules, which set timelines for climate resiliency and expand flood maps. The county has been a leader in pushing back against the rules, even initiating litigation against the Department of Environmental Protection.
“Cape May County is working alongside Ocean and Monmouth counties and several of our municipalities to challenge these rules through the courts,” Desiderio said.
He said Senate President Nicholas Scutari has introduced a resolution opposing the rules and calling for substantial revisions or outright repeal.
“These regulations are expected to have impacts not only on coastal communities like ours, but also on urban areas throughout the state, including cities like Camden, Hoboken, Jersey City and Newark,” Desiderio said.
He also discussed ongoing efforts at the federal level to strengthen coastal resiliency.
Desiderio said U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd, is advancing legislation to establish a $1 billion Coastal Trust Fund Act that would provide dedicated funding for beach replenishment and coastal protection projects.
He said Cape May County would be adopting a resolution of support and has asked the 16 municipalities to do the same.
County Airport
The county has had a lease agreement with the Delaware River and Bay Authority for nearly 30 years.
Desiderio said the agreement allows either party to move in a different direction at the end of the term and that they are currently working toward a new agreement.
He said the initial agreement emphasized the airport and related industrial park are among the county’s most valuable physical holdings.
“Rest assured, the county is actively engaged in negotiations at multiple levels concerning the future of our airport. We are talking to the FAA and other federal agencies, and we are in contact with the DRBA,” Desiderio said.
The county wants more development in the area, including a project to build housing for “working families” that is badly needed throughout the peninsula.
“Given the housing issues the entire nation is facing, we have an interest in perhaps including some housing at the airport. There is an FAA process for exploring that. We’ll see what makes sense and what can be approved,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed its longstanding policy of prohibiting housing at and around airports.
Park enhancements
Desiderio said several major construction projects are under way across the county.
He noted a series of improvements, including entranceway enhancements, updated signage, expanded parking, new restroom facilities and a new quarantine enclosure for animal care, are under way at the Cape May County Park and Zoo.
“The zoo remains one of the most visited attractions in our region and these upgrades will help ensure it continues to be a premier destination for families and visitors,” Desiderio said.
The Board of Commissioners recently submitted permits for a comprehensive redesign of County Park East, which would include a new multipurpose athletic field, six pickleball courts, five tennis courts, two basketball courts, a playground, a walking-jogging path and possibly a baseball field, as well as upgrades for first responders
“This project will provide outdoor quality-of-life opportunities for the young and old alike,” he said.
Transparency
Desiderio said the county plans to use technology to improve communication with the public.
“It has been my belief for some time that we can bring our public information function into the 21st century. We can better utilize social media and other platforms to provide even more information to the public,” he said.
The county administration has been looking at what other governments do and what the private sector does to engage with the public.
“We are in the Information Age, and we intend to take advantage of that for the benefit of the people of Cape May County. I expect to see the culmination of those efforts in the coming weeks and we are very excited to advance that effort very soon,” Desiderio said.
250th anniversary
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, sure to prompt celebrations in every corner.
Desiderio said the county has developed a grant program of support for enhanced and expanded Independence Day celebrations across its 16 municipalities through the Land of the Free Celebration 250 grant program.
“This initiative will help communities throughout the county host meaningful events that honor our nation’s history while bringing our residents and visitors together in celebration,” he said.
– STORY and PHOTOS by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff