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Council approves $453,000 Harbormaster patrol vessel after debate over maritime-fund use
Summary
After debate on fiscal priorities and maritime‑fund spending, the council approved a design‑and‑build contract for a new Harbormaster patrol vessel (total about $453,000), with Harbormaster Steven Land saying the diesel/jet boat will be safer, require less frequent engine replacement and serve for decades.
The Newport City Council approved a contract to design and build a new Harbormaster patrol vessel, with the Harbormaster describing the craft as a diesel‑powered, jet‑propelled replacement for aging outboard boats.
Harbormaster Steven Land told the council the vessel will handle 24‑hour operations, improve maneuverability, and permit safer towing of large boats — ‘‘with 1 line, I can move a 120 footer,’’ he said. He described longer engine life (diesel engines with an expected longer service life compared with current outboards) and estimated the new boat’s lifespan at 25 years. The harbor department reported $300,000 previously allocated in the CIP and said maritime fund revenues and cruise-ship fee increases will cover the remainder; the total contract figure was represented in discussion as $453,000.
Several councilors raised taxpayer and budget concerns. One councilor called the procurement ‘‘a $500,000 wish list’’ and said enterprise‑fund spending reduces funds for other city needs; another member emphasized the maritime fund is fee‑supported and cautioned that shifting fund designations could weaken legal arguments about fee use. The motion passed 6–1.
