PORT TOWNSEND — Despite opposition from marine trades operators and boat moorage tenants, the Port of Port Townsend commissioners on Wednesday formally adopted 3 percent rate increases for monthly moorage and airport hangar fees and some boat haul-out rates.
The rates will be effective in 2009.
The port commissioners, with Commissioner John Collins absent because he had had knee surgery, formally approved the rate increases without further comment during a meeting in the commissioners’ chambers at port offices at Point Hudson.
Collins voted against the rate hikes last month during preliminary approval of the 2009 budget. He said that a rate increase should reflect the consumer price index.
The commissioners adopted the port’s $6.6 million 2009 budget on Nov. 25.
They voted against banking a state-allowed 1 percent property tax levy increase, but included new construction taxes in the budget.
Higher costs
The port is facing higher costs of operations and inflation, as well as the renovation of the Boat Haven marina’s A/B docks.
While the rate hikes do not apply to work yard and ship yard fees, haul-out fees increased 3 percent for 70-75 ton boat haul-outs.
Environmental fees rose from $10 to $15, and a new vessel wash-down fee was added for the first two hours of use. The boat ramp parking fee also increased to $6 a day.
The permanent moorage rate increases apply to all three port owned marinas, two in Port Townsend and one in Quilcene.
The port originally considered a 5 percent fee hike, but compromised after protests from moorage tenants and Port Townsend Marine Trades Association representatives.
Public process
“We’re not happy with the budget process,” said Bertram Levy, Port Townsend Moorage Tenants Association president.
“We felt the process should not have started with rate increases [proposed].”
Instead, Levy said, the public should have been brought into the process at the beginning to help determine the rates.
Levy said he was encouraged that Collins has offered to meet with moorage tenants next year, before the 2010 budget process begins, to get them involved early.
Ric Brenden, representing the Port Townsend Marine Trades Association and part owner of the Shipwright’s Cooperative at the port work yard, also was not pleased with the port’s action.
“With the economic slowdown, we are seeing other government agencies operating with cutbacks and holding their rates. But the port keeps bumping rates.”
He said that, despite work dropping off at the ship and work yards, “We’re still getting rate increases.
“It may not be a huge amount, but every little bit hurts.”
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
