Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders
Freeholder Joe Vicari briefed the mayors on the state of Ocean County, highlighting what the freeholders have accomplished despite the loss of $18 billion in ratables due to Superstorm Sandy and before that, the decline of real estate values. Services have been provided and taxes increased minimally, he said. The greatest problems facing the county now are increasing poverty and drugs. Law enforcement is dealing with the drug problem; other county efforts are aimed at education and job creation. Where jobs are concerned, priorities for the county are tourism and small business development. Joe said that retention of the the Joint Base, McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst was very important in this regard. He criticized delays caused by federal and state regulations for slowing various projects that would otherwise speed development in the area, and called for a rail line to link Ocean County with jobs to the north.
The Ocean County Mayors’ Association has been found tax exempt by the IRS. Donations are deductible. Documentation of this determination and related financial disclosure documents are available for public examination. The Ocean County Mayors’ Association has been found tax exempt by the IRS. Donations are deductible. Documentation of this determination and related financial disclosure documents are available for public examination.