Cordova Harbor commissioners review 2026 operating budget, fee schedule and derelict-boat policy

Cordova’s Harbor Commission discussed the 2026 harbor operating budget and a range of operational issues at its Oct. 8 meeting, including small per‑gallon fuel fees, slip and storage rates, and policies to address long‑term derelict boats.

Brandon, who led the meeting as chair, opened discussion of the draft 2026 harbor operating budget and told the commission staff would "secure the water, no later than October 15" as part of winter preparations. Commissioners focused on several revenue items that could affect the harbor’s ability to pay debt and maintain facilities.

The commission examined how fuel fees are accounted for and collected. Staff explained that a per‑gallon administrative fee is recorded in a separate account used to service bond and loan obligations; commissioners discussed whether a modest additional per‑gallon charge should remain in place to help cover those costs. "That helps pay the debt out and everything," the chair said while describing the revenue’s role in loan repayment. Commissioners discussed the scale of potential increases and weighed the risk of driving away monthly slip customers.

Members also reviewed trends in slip use and revenue, noting a shift this season from many daily users to more monthly tenants and larger boats taking longer stalls. Commissioners said occupancy was approaching 80–90 percent in places late in the season and raised the question of whether vessel and slip rates need an incremental adjustment to keep up with rising costs and overtime for staff.

A major focus was storage rates and derelict‑boat policy. Commissioners identified inconsistencies in draft materials (one printout listed storage at $3.00 per foot while another showed $2.95) and proposed a tiered approach to long‑term storage: a standard rate for 0–12 months, a higher rate for 12–24 months, and substantially higher fees after 24–36 months to discourage long‑term stagnation. The tiered idea is intended both to free space and to generate funds for derelict‑boat removal and enforcement. Commissioners agreed more detailed calculations and a list of boats that would be affected are needed before implementation.

Operational issues came up across the agenda. Commissioners discussed drive‑down ramps and heavy use points on wooden decking caused by trailers, and considered targeted repairs such as replaceable deck sections or steel wear plates. They also reviewed camera coverage and said a spare camera would be redeployed for the shipyard and that the system could be expanded over time.

The group heard that used oil and antifreeze handling has become more complex because EPA and testing requirements make transfers to outside parties costly; staff described a process that allows the city to use used oil internally but requires testing and paperwork if the material leaves municipal control.

There were three formal, routine actions during the meeting: the agenda and prior meeting minutes were approved by voice vote, and the commission moved to adjourn at the close of business. No formal vote on the operating budget or a new fee ordinance was taken; commissioners requested follow‑up materials, corrected rate tables and additional staffwork before any vote.

The commission asked staff to return with corrected budget exhibits, a reconciled fee schedule showing consistent storage rates, and a list of boats that would be affected by any new tiered storage policy. The group also directed staff to continue tracking drive‑down use, camera needs and overtime costs and to bring back draft language if they want to propose formal fee changes at a future meeting.