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Commission considers sizable marina rate increases and a resident‑priority waiting list as managers seek to rebuild reserves
Summary
Staff proposed raising marina slip rates (examples: resident fixed dock from $12.36 to $17/ft; nonresident floating to $22/ft) to restore reserves after capital repairs and to make the marina more self‑supporting; staff also proposed administratively reworking the waiting list to prioritize residents.
Marina staff presented proposed marina fee increases at the budget workshop and described recent capital work and a reduced waiting list.
Rob (marina staff) said the marina completed large dock repairs (~$450,000) in the prior fiscal year and that staff pruned a previously long waiting list to about 25 active names. "We completed our large scale dock repairs ... that was about 450,000," Rob said, and staff argued rebuilding reserves and adjusting rates will help protect the facility from hurricane risk and cover future capital needs.
The proposed October 1 rate schedule shown to commissioners included increases that range from about 38% to 53% depending on slip type and residency status. As an example on the chart staff showed a resident fixed dock rate moving from about $12.36 per foot to $17 per foot and nonresident floating dock fees rising to $22 per foot. Rob said his proposal had previously envisioned a stair‑step approach over multiple years but that the chart before commissioners showed a larger initial adjustment that staff believe is still competitive with neighboring marinas.
Commissioners debated whether residents should be prioritized on the waitlist and asked staff to define 'resident' for fee and priority purposes; commissioners said they preferred giving city residents top priority but that staff should return with a written policy. Vice Mayor Martin and others also recommended stepping increases over multiple years to reduce shock to annual slip holders.
Why it matters: Marina rates affect annual tenants, transient visitor revenue that supports local businesses, and the city's ability to maintain capital reserves for a high‑risk, hurricane‑exposed asset. Commissioners asked staff to model the dollar impact for typical slip sizes and to return with a formal waiting‑list and resident‑priority policy.
Next steps: Staff said they can prepare a revised fee schedule — including transient rates — and a resident‑priority waiting list framework and bring it back to the commission before the September budget decisions.
