Waterways Committee Workshop 10-06-2026

The Waterways Committee held a workshop on October 6, 2026, to review the Harbor Master’s proposed 2027 fee schedule. Proposed increases covered mooring permits and related fees, small-vessel permits, boat-ramp passes, and marina slip fees; transient dockage, electrical, offload, and offseason rates would remain unchanged. The Harbor Master estimated the proposed changes could add about $42,000 across key mooring-related revenues, $16,190 from small-vessel fees, and $28,000 from marina slip fees. Bush Point ramp fees were also discussed as a way to help cover roughly $46,000 in annual personnel and operating costs. The marina program’s revenue supports ongoing maintenance and future capital improvements, including potential dredging and facility work.

Members discussed congestion at a town dock and whether a larger fee increase or limits on vessel numbers might be warranted; no separate change to those policies was adopted during the discussion. The committee unanimously voted to recommend supporting the proposed fee changes. The increases are not final: they require Town Manager review and approval, modification, or denial following the applicable public-comment process. The Harbor Master said the fee requests were due to the Town Manager by October 16, 2026.