Assembly directs FY27 excess dockage fees to offset CBJ general operations
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Summary
The Assembly Finance Committee approved directing dockage fee revenue in excess of Docks & Harbors operations to offset Juneau City and Borough general operating expenditures in FY27 and asked staff to return project options for any remainder; staff estimated $2.9 million in new dockage revenue with roughly $2.2 million available for allocation.
The Juneau City and Borough Assembly Finance Committee on Dec. 1, 2025 directed the manager to use dockage fee revenue in excess of docks operations to offset the city’s FY27 general operating expenditures and to return a list of proposed projects for any remaining funds.
Director Flick told the committee staff estimates show the dockage fee increase will generate roughly $2,900,000 in additional revenue, with Docks & Harbors retaining about $700,000 to cover security, restrooms and maintenance — leaving approximately $2,200,000 available for allocation. "We expect the increased dockage fees to be 2,900,000," Flick said during her presentation.
Assemblymember Wall moved the directive to the manager to “utilize all dockage fees in excess of dock operations to offset CBJ general operating expenditures to the fullest extent possible and bring back a list of potential project uses for any remaining funds.” After questions and clarifications about what counts as an enterprise fund expense and what the assembly could lawfully transfer, the motion passed by unanimous consent.
Staff and several assemblymembers discussed legal and policy constraints for moving enterprise-generated revenue into the general fund. Flick and legal staff emphasized that marine passenger fees are more restrictive because of settlement terms, while dockage fees are less prescriptive; transfers will require a clear nexus and documentation that the expenditure reasonably relates to activities that generate the revenue. The manager said the city will perform a legal risk analysis and that the assembly can make transfers if it can articulate the nexus.
Possible uses identified by staff included partial offsets for public safety and transit costs tied to cruise-season impacts, and targeted capital projects where visitors place a burden on infrastructure — for example water and wastewater work along South Franklin, Basin Road maintenance, and potential contributions to the gondola project. Assemblymembers asked that project options include items prioritized by Docks & Harbors so fee payers see direct benefits.
The committee’s directions will be reflected in manager budget instructions for FY27; staff will return with a list of recommended projects and any necessary legal analysis for transfers and appropriation language.
Ending note: The motion was made by Assemblymember Wall and recorded as passed by unanimous consent; no formal roll-call tally was taken in committee.
