Manasquan Beach Revenue Down, But Not As Much as Predicted

Manasquan beach revenue is 24 percent down over last year, but borough officials say that's good news compared to previous estimates.
In his beach report this week, councilman Joseph Bossone said the year-to-date beach revenue is down 24 percent, but appears to be on an upward trend compared to earlier in the season.
Bossone said the greatest impact to beach revenue is the number of rainy days this season has faced. With the right weather things could look even better, he said.
So far this year there's been seven days where no beach badges were sold, compared to three in last season.
The year-to-date beach revenue is $1,127,516.
Manasquan crafted its budget expecting at 30 percent loss in beach revenue in the form of season passes and daily badges. That the borough is at 24 percent loss over this time in 2012 then is a rosier picture than budget, officials said.
Adding to the improved picture is that the percent of loss year-over-year decreased four percent since three weeks ago, Bossone said.
Three weeks ago Bissone reported the beach utilities were down 28 percent year-to-date from the same period in 2012, and now its a 24 percent loss.
"That's the only thing good about that figure, it's better than three weeks ago," Bossone said. "It appears we're in an upward trend."
In particular, last weekend was a busy one for Manasquan. The same weekend last year was one of the busiest of that season too, Bossone said, and the difference between the two weekends was only $3,000 less this year.
"There's been real momentum in beach revenue last weekend despite some rain outs," he said.