Salem committee approves Harbor Master budget as city eyes ferry, water taxi and marina changes

The City of Salem’s Committee on Administration and Finance recommended approval Tuesday of the Harbor Master’s FY26 budget, approving a department total of $455,420 that covers personnel and operating costs.

Harbor Master Bill McHugh told the committee the “FY26 budget is relatively the same. No major changes,” and outlined operational shifts tied to demand and new services. He said the harbor is seeing an uptick in calls for service and that the office is staffing part‑time watches based on expected weekend and weather demands. “We run until at least November 1,” he said.

McHugh described several service developments the committee heard as central to the coming season: a revived water taxi and launch service operating out of Congress Street; additional private operators running Tiki‑hut style vessels out of Blaney Street; and an expanded online transient‑mooring rental system that lets visiting boaters pay by smartphone. He said new transient offerings will be marketed so visiting vessels can use the dinghy dock at Central Wharf and pay a fee listed in the city’s fee schedule.

On moorings, McHugh explained why the number of cataloged moorings and slip fees fluctuated: permits are issued under a “Chapter 91 10a” permit regime and marina operators that do not fill their rental moorings do not receive long‑term permits. He said mooring turnover depends on boat size and configuration — the average boat size has grown from about 20 to about 40 feet — which reduces how many moorings fit in a field and can extend waiting lists into multiple years in some areas.

McHugh also briefed the committee on two capital matters. First, the city received a FEMA Port Security grant to purchase a smaller, interceptor‑style multi‑mission vessel; FEMA will cover 75 percent of the cost and the Harbor Master’s revolving account will provide a 25 percent match. “We contracted with Safe Boat International again,” he said, and expects the vessel to be completed within a year. Second, a recently damaged berth near Crowley is not suitable for passenger vessels until planned construction and a negotiated warping‑rights agreement are completed.

Committee members asked about search‑and‑rescue and mutual aid costs; McHugh said major responses are absorbed within the regular harbor budget and use personnel and fuel already assigned to watch duties. Councillor Stott moved to recommend approval of the Harbor Master budget; Councillor Davis seconded. A roll‑call vote produced four yes votes and the committee carried the recommendation.

The committee moved on to capital improvement plan discussion and the Harbor Master left the meeting after the vote.