Wildwood officials will hold a special election in March to ask voters if they want beach fees.
The badges would cost $5 daily, $10 for three days, and $15 for a week.
Voters rejected beach badges in 1976 and 1981.
It costs Wildwood about $2 million to maintain the beach. Taxpayers cover part and the rest of the money comes from tourism authority tax revenues generated by visitors.
Authority director John Siciliano tells The Press of Atlantic City 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.
"The city needs to come up with revenue," Troiano told the Press of A.C. "Taxpayers can no longer shoulder the burden."
