PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:
REVENUE:
Building Permit Revenue, the largest revenue generator in this division, has been budgeted to increase $33,000 to $1,053,000. Total revenue for this division is budgeted $33,700 higher than the FY 23 adopted budget. The Town contribution to funding of this division was $750,289 in FY 23, which has increased to $812,303 in FY 24.
PERSONNEL CHANGES:
The number of full-time employees was increased from thirteen to fourteen in FY 23 as the Environmental Engineer position was transferred to this division from Engineering. A step increase has been included effective January 1, 2024 for full-time Employees. A part-time building inspector has been funded for 3 days per week for eighteen weeks. A part-time position has been included at 8 hours per week for thirty weeks for Boardwalk code enforcement and to assist with GIS work. A part-time Office Associate position has been funded to scan documents and permits. Retirement and worker’s compensation increase and health insurance decreases for this department. No contribution has been funded for OPEB in FY 24.
CHANGES IN OPERATIONS:
Contracted Services increase $34,798. Legal services from the City attorney and for the boards account for $81,000 of this line item, and are projected to increase $35,000 for FY 24. Credit card fees for the online permitting system, new in FY 15, are estimated to remain level at $36,600. Third party review of large projects has been funded at $50,000, a reduction of $20,000. Training costs are budgeted at $10,536 and include attendance at the American Association of Code Enforcement conference, the National Hurricane Conference, and the annual GIS conference. Other items funded in Contracted Services include equipment maintenance, dues and advertising. Funding for the Ocean City Development Corporation has again been included at a contribution from both Ocean City and Worcester County of $125,000 each. Vehicle fuel is anticipated to increase $882 for FY 24. Vehicle parts and labor costs are anticipated to decrease $1,000 for this division. Intragovernmental allocations for Vehicle Lease, insurance, Information Technology, and radio equipment lease decrease for this division.