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Select Board restores Libby barge fee at $3,000 after heated public debate
Summary
After hours of public comment and testimony from marine operators, the Wolfeboro Select Board voted to keep Libby commercial barge fees at $3,000 per company for 2026 and scheduled a summer work session to set a permanent fee methodology.
The Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen voted April 1 to restore the Libby commercial barge fee to $3,000 per barge company for the 2026 season after an extended public hearing and debate over equities and dock maintenance funding.
The move came after dozens of residents and commercial operators asked the board to balance cost recovery against the risk that steep increases would push businesses to operate elsewhere. “We serve Wolfeboro residents and island residents — we are stewards of the Libby,” said Luke Frydenberg of Wolfeboro Dock Company, arguing that the existing fee had paid for repairs and regular maintenance. “To go from $3,000 to $5,000 and add per vessel — it seems like a slap in the face.”
Town staff and selectmen said they had drafted ordinance language that would change how commercial landing fees were calculated. Some board members said the draft moved from a per-company charge to a per-vessel fee, which would raise substantial revenue but risk losing local operators. The chair noted the board had previously paused major changes for 2026 while it sought public input.
Selectman Brian moved to revert the fee structure to the prior practice of $3,000 per barge company; the motion carried on a roll call vote (Senecal Yes; DeShay Yes; Thurston Abstain; O’Brien Yes). The board said the decision provides clarity for operators while assigning staff and selectmen to a summer work session to develop a durable, transparent methodology for future years.
Advocates for higher fees had argued a larger revenue stream could fast-track Libby ramp and dock repairs; operators countered the existing account—estimated by multiple speakers at roughly $42,000—already covered major repairs and ongoing maintenance. “We could build the dock all the way new with what’s in the account,” one operator said during public comment.
Next steps: staff will publish the fee notice and schedule a work session in mid-summer to design a fee model tied to lifecycle cost estimates and equity considerations.
