Point Pleasant Considering Hiking Taxes

In an effort to increase revenues for their town, Point Pleasant Borough is considering hiking taxes. "No one likes taxes," said Point Borough spokesperson Holden DeLine, "but sometimes it just makes sense. After careful consideration, we believe that hiking taxes will be good for the borough."

This move has already created considerable grumbling in the community. Longtime resident, Laika Munnee, thinks hiking taxes at this time is a terrible mistake. "Our town's economy is largely dependent on revenue created by tourists. Hiking taxes at this time is sure to have a detrimental effect on this industry. Losses are almost certain to be greater than any gains!"

Holden DeLine believes the concerns are overstated. "We are not the first community to be imposing the new tax. Many other towns have decided on hiking taxes. We believe it is the only option at this point."

Urban hiking has become more and more popular in many areas, including the Jersey Shore. As organized groups of hikers take to the streets of cities rather than nature trails, the impact can be costly for the municipalities. Not every hiker is responsible enough to "pack it out" and the resulting mess that is created has to be cleaned up. There is also wear and tear to the streets created from massive hiking boots. These are the rationale that most towns use when they implement hiking taxes.

The plain in Point Pleasant is for hiking groups to register at Town Hall and pay the hiking tax, at which time they will receive a daily badge. Hikers discovered without badges can face a hefty fine equal to twice the hiking tax.

"A hiking tax will allow Point Pleasant to maintain our town, while still allowing urban hikers to enjoy its streets," said DeLine. "When it comes to this kind of thing, we can't just allow ourselves to be walked all over."

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