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Commissioners delay marina fee hike, ask staff to monitor electric use before rate changes
Summary
After discussing a proposed 5% rate increase plus a $75-per-slip utility charge to sustain the marina enterprise, commissioners agreed to delay broad fee increases until post-construction review and to monitor slip electric connections this season.
Jamie Beachy, director of Recreation and Parks, told the Board on Feb. 3 that the Chop Tank Marina renovation — a $3.2 million project — is nearing completion and that fees have not increased since 2001. To preserve the marina enterprise fund without General Fund support, Beachy proposed a 5% slip-rate increase and a $75 utility charge per slip to ensure users with electrical hookups help pay utility costs.
Commissioners voiced reluctance to raise fees after requiring boat owners to remove vessels for construction. Beachy explained that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Waterway Improvement program can fund capital for marinas: previously awardable up to $250,000 with no local match, the fund’s threshold had been increased (noted during the meeting) to $500,000 no-match and would require a 50% match for projects above that level. Beachy said boat registration and sales taxes support the waterway fund.
Members focused on timing and fairness: given the inconvenience this season, several commissioners favored leaving base slip fees unchanged for now, possibly charging only a utility fee while the county collects one season of electric-usage data. Beachy projected substantial completion by March 15 with the boating season starting April 1 and agreed to track meter connections and utility consumption. The board asked staff to survey slip hookups during the coming season and revisit any rate changes for FY 2027.
