Select Board pauses dock-fee changes for 2026, approves landing permits under 2025 fees

The Wolfeboro Select Board voted March 18 to issue 2026 commercial landing permits under the town’s 2025 fee schedule and to postpone implementation of a revised docks ordinance until Jan. 1, 2027, giving local tour operators time to plan.

Representatives of Mount Washington Cruises told the board that tour operators set itineraries and prices well in advance and that changing fees or rules mid‑season would impose material business disruption. "Our 2026 plan would substantially increase our activity in the Port of Wolfeboro and will bring greater economic benefits to the town," the company said when it reactivated its landing permit applications.

Board members who supported the pause said the town needed to avoid creating business risk for operators who plan 12–18 months ahead. The board also noted that under the draft ordinance the Mount Washington’s expanded schedule would still be subject to a landing fee similar to current proposals (the company observed that, under the most recent draft fee structure, the Mount Washington could be charged about $3,100 for the season, roughly in line with prior figures).

Motion: the board moved to issue 2026 commercial landing permits under the 2025 ordinance and fees, and to continue drafting ordinance updates targeted to take effect Jan. 1, 2027. The motion passed; staff was directed to finalize permit paperwork for operators who have filed applications.

What’s next: Operators were granted 2026 permits under existing fees and may update their submissions to reflect the final ordinance once it is in place. The board directed staff to continue ordinance revisions and to provide a clear timeline to operators.