Holiday Beach Badges Could be Discounted This Year

There could be good news for all those hoping to unwrap a seasonal Long Branch beach badge on Christimas morning.

The Long Branch Council said it will discuss the possibility of selling  badges for the 2012 beach season at a discounted rate this holiday season.

Long Branch Business Administrator Howard Woolley said if the council wanted to lower the rates, it would have to amend an ordinance that was passed in April that set the rates for holiday beach badge sales.

Sale of holiday beach badges for the 2012 summer season  will be on sale from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, Monday- Friday from 10 a.m.- AM- 4 p.m. at the 2011 rate of $45 for people ages 18-61 and $30 for children ages 14-17.

Councilwoman Kathleen Billings said the city sold 162 beach badges last holiday season and that she felt the rates should remain the same. Councilman Michael Sirianni said he also felt the rates should remain the same.

Councilwoman Joy Bastelli said the council should amend the ordinance and lower it for that time period.

Woolley said he would check with other municipalities to see if they offer their holiday beach badges at a discounted rate and that the council would revisit the topic at its next meeting on Oct. 11.