Manager recommends denying full‑time harbor master position in harbor budget

Manager Pierce opened the budget workshop by apologizing for packet formatting errors and outlined his manager adjustments for the harbor budget, telling the council he would not fund the department request to convert the harbor master from part‑time to full‑time. "I really wanted to say yes this year, but I kind of had to say no to just about everything new," Pierce said, noting the city would realize only about $20,000–$25,000 in net savings from denying the full‑time hire.

Pierce said the department originally requested $50,000 in full‑time payroll, but his adjustment reduced the line and left roughly $12,000 to cover part‑time staffing that mirrors the current arrangement. He emphasized the harbor generates revenue and that past capital work — including paving the harbor parking lot — and items on the capital improvements plan make the staffing decision difficult, but he prioritized equitable budget treatment across departments.

Councilors asked for detail on the payroll math and how the manager adjustment reconciled with department requests; staff directed them to the expense detail pages and said the adjustment reflects the current practice of relying on parks and recreation staff to carry the harbor duties when needed. There was no formal motion or vote during the workshop; staff said final budget lines and supporting detail would be presented for later action.

Pierce said the harbor commission provides substantial services and revenue to the city and asked councilors to weigh that contribution as they consider the broader maintenance‑level spending plan. The council reserved further deliberation until the department budgets are examined in later sessions.