PORT ANGELES — Port of Port Angeles commissioners are considering new ways to determine the rates for moorage at the Port Angeles Boat Haven and at John Wayne Marina in Sequim.
Commissioner Connie Beauvais suggested during a special meeting Monday that the port determine a base charge for a 30-foot slip, then increase the rate by 5 percent for every additional 10 feet.
The base charge would be decided after looking at those charged at eight regional marinas.
Rates today start at $5.65 per foot per month for 20-foot slips in Port Angeles. At John Wayne Marina, rates start at $6.78 per foot per month for 20-foot slips.
Seek predictability
Each of the commissioners said they wanted predictability for the port’s tenants so they can have a good idea of what they will be charged.
Commissioners were given by staff a myriad ways to determine moorage rates, including comparing to other marinas in the region or basing the rate on the costs associated with running the marina.
“If we’re going to change it every year, we’re not giving any methodology a fair shot,” Commissioner Steve Burke said. “None of these are going to work if we only give them one year.”
Using the current methodology, most rates would increase by 1.4 percent in 2017 at both marinas.
The port’s goal is for rates in Port Angeles to be 90 percent of the average among the eight regional marinas. John Wayne Marina rates would be 110 percent.
The marinas they are being compared to are in Kingston, Neah Bay, Port Ludlow, Quilcene, Pleasant Harbor, Port Hadlock, Port Orchard and Port Townsend.
The commissioners also discussed the possibility of an additional subsidy for commercial vessels.
Executive Director Karen Goschen said it would be difficult to come up with a definition for commercial, since some people “dabble” in commercial fishing.
Commissioner Colleen McAleer suggested that only commercial vessel owners who pay B&O tax should be eligible for the subsidy.
No action concerning moorage rates was taken during the meeting.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 5550, or atjmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.
