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Committee hears update on embarkment-fee bills and revenue risks from canceled sailings
Summary
FinCom discussed a pending embarkment-fee increase (50 cents) and broader $2 fee support in the House Joint Committee on Revenue; members expressed concern cancellations of Steamship Authority sailings reduce fee revenue.
Mr. Malecki told the committee that a proposal to increase the embarkment fee by 50 cents has passed the Joint Committee on Revenue and is currently in the Senate committee queue; he also said a proposal supporting a $2 total embarkation fee passed the House Joint Committee on Revenue in February and is awaiting further action in Ways & Means. Committee members noted that canceled Steamship Authority sailings reduce embarkation-fee receipts and discussed supporting a written request to the Steamship Authority about cancellation policies.
Mr. Taus raised concerns that frequent cancellations affect businesses and the town’s fee revenue; Ms. Brough said she had written on Select Board member Mr. Alley’s behalf requesting clarification from the Steamship Authority about cancellation decision processes. Mr. Malecki said the Finance Committee should tell the Select Board it supports the letter and follow up prior to legislative action.
