Annapolis harbor operations budget highlights ferry planning, houseboat task force and proposed move of Harbormaster office

Harbormaster and shoreside operations staff updated the Finance Committee on April 21 about harbor operations, capital work and an organizational proposal affecting the Harbormaster office.

Jacob Nold, shoreside operations supervisor, and Tim Jacobs and Tyler Northfield of the Harbormaster’s office described this fiscal year’s operational highlights and upcoming capital work, including dock and deck repairs, grant‑funded waterway improvements and a kayak rack pilot.

The electric‑ferry design: Jackie Guile and Harbormaster staff said the city developed an RFP and selected a naval‑architecture firm for an electric ferry and related docking improvements. Guile told the committee that “the project right now is on hold until we get further direction from the Federal Transit Administration.” Harbormaster staff said the city also evaluated docking improvements at Fifth Street, noting the bulkhead and flooding issues at that location require capital work regardless of whether the ferry proceeds.

Enforcement and operations: Harbormaster staff said they processed four abandoned boat cases this fiscal year, some resulting in criminal charges, and they reported a decline in maritime incidents. The department administers over $1,340,000 in grants for dock and tour‑line improvements, including $82,000 for pump‑out boat operations and $25,000 for derelict and debris removal.

Organizational placement and leadership changes: During discussion, staff confirmed the Harbormaster office currently reports to the city manager’s office but that a proposal in the FY‑26 budget would move the office to Recreation and Parks. Jake Trudeau, the city’s budget manager, told the committee an ordinance to amend City Code section 2‑12 will be presented. The acting titles were also stated on the record: Tyler Northfield was designated acting Harbormaster and Tim Jacobs acting deputy Harbormaster during director Beth Bella’s medical leave.

Docking and revenue impacts: Tim Jacobs said construction at the City Dock project will require temporary power outages and may reduce available docking and mooring revenue while work proceeds. Staff are reconfiguring mooring fields and adding moorings to improve availability.

Speakers referenced locations and near‑term pilots: Nold said a kayak rack pilot is planned at Trucks And Park (installation expected by mid‑May). Harbormaster staff said they are overseeing a house‑barges task force and coordinating with county and regional partners on ferry planning.

Ending

Committee members asked that future ordinance language for the proposed change in organizational placement be presented to the committee; budget staff confirmed an ordinance to adjust section 2‑12 will come forward.

Quotations in this article come from the public meeting transcript of the Annapolis Finance Committee on April 21, 2025.