TOURISM & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

FISCAL YEAR 2025 PROPOSED BUDGET

Print/Download Data Summary

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS:

REVENUE CHANGES:

Room Tax has been estimated at $25,300,000 for FY 25. In accordance with Ordinance 2021-24, the percentage of gross room revenue dedicated to advertising increases from 2.1% to 2.2%. $11,132,000 has been dedicated to funding Tourism expenses, including advertising. Advertising for FY 25 has been funded at $9,873,139. The County Tourism grant of $400,000 is also allocated to the Tourism department. State Tourism grants are added as they are received.

PERSONNEL CHANGES:

Eleven full-time positions are funded in FY 25: The Director of Tourism and Business Development, the Communications and Marketing Director, the Digital Communications Manager, the Marketing Coordinator, the Director of Sales, a Sports Sales Manager, a Destination Sales Manager, a Graphic Design and Brand Manager, a Social and Digital Media Specialist, an Advertising and Research Specialist, and an Administrative Office Associate. The Sales Director position is split with the Convention Center. A step increase and a 3% COLA has been included for all positions in FY 25. Group insurance costs and retirement decrease, while worker’s compensation increases.

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS:

Contracted Services include communications, professional services, legal fees, training and travel, dues, printing, payments for booth space at shows, staffing of the boardwalk cottage, and Visitor’s Guide postage and handling. These line items decrease $45,511 from the FY 24 Adopted budget. Room Tax funds $363,551 of these line items. Advertising, covered 100% by Room Tax, increases $519,360 from the FY 24 Adopted budget. TAB funding has been combined with the Sponsorship line item, which is funded at $880,000. Sponsorships are covered 100% by Room Tax. Supplies and Materials decrease $888. Trade show apparel for the sales staff has been funded at $5,000. $15,310 of the expenses in Operational Supplies are covered by Room Tax. Energy costs are expected to increase for this department. Vehicle fuel and maintenance are anticipated to increase. Allocations for Vehicle lease, and insurance decrease, while the allocation for IT Services increase.