Select Board moves proposed commercial boat-launch fee to public hearing

The Meredith Select Board on May 11 moved a proposal to charge a yearly commercial boat-launch fee to a public hearing, after hearing background from Police Chief Michael Harper and Town Manager Judie Milner.

Chief Harper reviewed prior fee changes — the town recently raised the per-launch fee from $20 to $30, with town residents using a sticker exemption — and said he had studied commercial launch fees in nearby towns but had no firm recommendation. Manager Milner summarized prior public opposition to in-town commercial launches and described a proposed out-of-town, yearly commercial-launch fee equal to 50 launches at the updated $30 rate. Manager Milner told the board she would set a public hearing and noted a possible $1,500 annual fee for commercial operators.

Board members discussed practical enforcement challenges, including distinguishing local from nonresident boats and the lack of staff to monitor the docks at early hours. The board said it is reluctant to change the per-launch fee immediately because it likely would not recoup administrative costs and there is no compelling reason to act now. By consensus, the board directed staff to advance the proposal to a public hearing so residents can comment before any final decision.

The public hearing on the proposed commercial annual launch fee will be scheduled as part of the board's forthcoming meetings; the Select Board did not adopt a final fee at the May 11 meeting.