Ocean City Waives Beach Tag Fees for Active Military Members

City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Thursday night that waives beach fees for active members of the military.

Like most towns on the Jersey Shore, Ocean City requires beachgoers to purchase tags before using the beaches during the summer. Seasonal tags cost $25 (or $20 if purchased by May 31) for all persons 12 and older.

The ordinance reads:

No fees shall be charged to or collected from persons in active military service in any of the Armed Forces of the United States and to their spouse or dependent children over the age of 12 years ...

... No fees shall be charged to or collected from persons who are active members of the New Jersey National Guard who have completed Initial Active Duty Training and to their spouse or dependent children over the age of 12 years ...

Ocean City Finance Director Frank Donato is charged with figuring out the logistics of making the new fee waiver work.

The only public comment on the issue addressed to idea of expanding the fee exemption to include all veterans.

Bob Marzulli, commander of American Legion Post 524 in Ocean City, offered to "do whatever it takes to make this happen."

Councilman Keith Hartzell said the community has a "good team assembled" and he is confident that the city can make it happen.