One of New Jersey's few free beaches might start charging.

Flickr User Belzie
Flickr User Belzie
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Wildwood officials on Friday will consider whether to hold a special election in March to ask voters if they want beach fees.

Voters rejected beach badges in 1976 and 1981.

It costs Wildwood about $1 million to maintain the beach.

Taxpayers cover $760,000 and the rest is covered by about $240,000 from the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority from tax revenues generated by visitors.

Authority director John Siciliano tells of  the town would no longer receive the funds if it charges to use the beach.

Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr. tells the newspaper Wildwood's budget is coming up $1.6 million short. The mayor says taxpayers can no longer shoulder the burden.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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