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Council hears Harbor Master budget and shellfish seeding plan; float replacement deferred to next year
Summary
The Harbor Master budget adds a modest capital set‑aside for channel markers and buoy replacement, councilors discussed a multi‑year seeding plan to restore clam beds, and staff said a master float replacement is anticipated in fiscal 2027 with grant applications pending.
The council reviewed the Harbor Master cost center and related marine programs, including mooring fees, channel marker maintenance and a proposed shellfish seeding pilot.
Helene, finance staff, said the budget adds a $4,000 capital outlay line to begin saving for channel markers, buoys and other marine aids to navigation instead of absorbing large maintenance swings in operating lines. Staff also advised the council the Harbor Master position budgeted mainly overtime wages is intended to reflect the additional responsibilities assigned to that position.
Shellfish seeding: Chris and Coastal Waters Committee members recommended a multi‑year seeding effort to restore the clam population in a local flat that historically supported shellfishing. Staff budgeted $2,500 in capital for initial seeding and estimated commercial shellfish license revenue of $1,500; they said the seeding effort would be a multi‑year program intended to establish a sustainable resource.
Master float plan: Councilors asked about funds set aside for the harbor master float replacement and whether Army Corps involvement remains part of the permitting pathway. Staff said the major float project is likely to appear in the fiscal 2027 budget rather than 2026, and that state grant paperwork was submitted last fall; the Army Corps review and earlier engineering work have been completed. Staff estimated possible project costs in discussion at roughly $12,000 to $25,000 depending on the final scope and noted the town could pursue non‑taxpayer fundraising ideas (for example, selling plank engravings) to help offset local costs.
Moorings and fees: staff reported mooring fee revenues run around $20,000 and proposed modest increases of about five percent to help cover rising maintenance costs for navigation aids.
Ending: councilors asked to receive a status update on the grant (referred to in the discussion as “Grama” application) and asked staff to include any harbor capital needs in next year’s CIP. No formal action was taken at this meeting.
