The cost of beach stickers will remain the same for the 2021 season.

On March 22, the Parks and Recreation Board voted to keep the stickers at the $35 cost it has been for the past decade.

Earlier this year, officials proposed a $5 increase following a request from the town’s Finance Committee to look into it in anticipation of economic woes caused by the pandemic.

At the March 22 meeting, Board Chair Joe Vieira said that with municipal aid coming from the federal government’s latest Covid relief bill, he did not think that this was the year to raise sticker fees.

“I think that we continue to march and hope for the best,” he added. “There’s just no reason now to increase this.”

Board member Jim Vieira agreed, noting that if there are residents who are economically insecure from the pandemic, it would not make sense to make them pay more for the seasonal sticker.

“The federal government’s giving more money because people out there are hurting,” he said. “And we’re going to sit here and say we’re going to charge more? Ridiculous.”

Just like last summer, year-round Dartmouth residents will be able to buy their beach stickers first, with seasonal renters eligible for stickers afterward. 

Approval from the board will also be required for any temporary passes. 

Stickers will be available for sale in May, although the date is yet to be determined.