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Commission discusses modest marina rate increase; harbor staff warn of rising dredge permit costs
Summary
Harbor staff proposed a $3 per foot annual slip rate increase for three years to cover inflation and deferred maintenance; the commission supported bringing a resolution back. The harbor also reported new dredge permitting and sediment‑sampling requirements could cost about $40,000 every two years for Hammond Marina.
Harbor Master Jessica told the commission the marina rate resolution that set current slip fees is expiring and staff recommends a modest increase of $3 per foot annually for the next three years to keep up with inflation and deferred maintenance. "We're proposing a really minimal $3 per foot for each year for the next 3 years," she said, noting the change is intended to avoid larger future increases and to fund repairs.
Commissioners discussed phasing, different rates for new versus existing docks, and making sure rate increases are accompanied by visible infrastructure improvements. Staff and the marina advisory committee recommended moving forward but to revisit a full rate study after two years once repairs and improvements are underway. Jessica also reported that renewing Hammond dredge permits requires fresh sediment sampling and updated permits every five years; sampling every two years was estimated to cost about $40,000, a recurring unbudgeted expense staff is addressing through grant applications to the Oregon State Marine Board.
The commission asked staff to prepare a resolution for a future meeting and to circulate a template letter for support of the marina’s grant applications. Commissioners stressed the importance of demonstrating infrastructure improvements to justify rate changes to slip holders.
