PORT ANGELES — Boat owners at the Port of Port Angeles Boat Haven say a proposed 70 percent increase in permanent moorage rates will cause many of them to sell their boats.
A crowd of about 45 people listened during a Port commissioners meeting Monday as a parade of boat owners spoke against the proposed increase, saying that basing it on the rates at marinas in affluent urban areas was “ridiculous” and “obscene.”
Several boat owners said they saw the need for a rate increase to pay for capital improvements at the marina — but not one of 70 percent.
The Port commissioners said they needed more information and won’t make a decision until after the next Port board meeting, set for March 14.
Port Finance Director Bill James said Boat Haven has the lowest moorage rates of 20 marinas surveyed.
The average rate for permanent moorage is $6.10 per foot, and Port Angeles is almost half that at $3.32, he said.
$5 million expenses
The Port Angeles Boat Haven has projected capital expenses of $5 million, James said.
Moorage rates must be increased to pay off that debt and provide a 4 percent return on investment, he said.
James said Port staff was recommending increasing the permanent moorage rate from $3.32 to $5.65 per foot per month.
