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The city has collected an additional $737,000 in beach and parking revenue so far this year, in comparison to last year’s totals, according to city records.

Beach revenue totals are up $183,348, from $1,110,165 last year to $1,293,523 this year, city records show.

The roughly sixteen percent increase does not include surplus from prior years or interest accrued, according to City Manager John “Jack” Kelly.

Records report June was the most popular month for beachgoers, with $489,366 in revenue accrued. July and August followed at $333,551 and $304,941, respectively.

The total include revenue from beach locker rentals, which topped out at $64,800.

Asbury Park beach utility manager Garrett Giberson, Sr. previously told the Sun he attributes the increase to a combination of plenty of sunny days, the city’s growing reputation as a destination and wide, spacious beaches.

In addition, people who come to the city to visit the boardwalk businesses and attractions get to see the quality of the beaches and, in turn, those who visit the beach get to see what the boardwalk offers, said Giberson.

“I think they are mutually supportive of one another,” he said. “It is increasingly evident that more people are visiting Asbury Park and we are fortunate to have good weather.”

A total of $139,938 in beach passes were purchased at the city’s parking meters. Last year, the meters collected $98,649 in beach fees, accounting for a $41,219 rise in revenue collected at the meters alone.

Whereas the meters accept credit cards, the city’s manned boardwalk locations that sell beach passes only accept cash or checks. However, that will change starting next year, Kelly said.

“We will be accepting credit cards throughout the city meters and at the beach stands,” Kelly said. “In addition, the multi-space meters will see upgrades to allow individuals to buy annual beach badges.”

Currently, the meters only sell daily passes.

Total parking revenue in the city is up over a half million dollars, from $1,326,760.76 last year to $1,880,843.86 so far this year, city records show.

“We’ve almost earned as much income through august as we did for the entire year last year,” Kelly said. “If we continue at last year’s pace, we will realize in excess of $2.5 million.”

The additional revenue goes towards the city’s annual budget revenue and helps to reduce the tax levy, but is also a double-edged sword of sorts, Kelly said. As annual revenues increase and the city improves its balance sheet, the state will reduce the amount of transitional aid given to the city.

In 2014, the city received $1.1 million less in transitional aid, Kelly said.

The city hired also hired a parking consultant this year to assess overall parking citywide, the results of the study are expected to be complete some time in December, he said.

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