OCEAN CITY COUNCIL INTRODUCES BUDGET WITH TAX HIKE

It looks like Ocean City residents will experience a small tax hike this year.  The city council met Thursday night and approved a $68 million budget on first reading; the budget would increase the local purpose tax rate by just over one and a half cents.  The actual tax levy in Ocean City will be decreasing this year, but the rate is going up thanks to lower property values.  The budget was approved on introduction by a 5-1 vote; it comes up for a final vote at the April 26th meeting.