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FinCom reviews $249,325 in proposed Embarkation Fund spending as ferry impacts grow
Summary
Tisbury expects about $270,000 in annual embarkation-fee revenue; the Embarkation Committee recommended $249,325 in FY27 spending for police, harbor dredging, DPW improvements and public safety equipment. FinCom members questioned whether the fund can cover heavy port wear and tear and asked the State how online ticketing affects apportionment.
Jonathan Snyder, chair of the Embarkation Committee, reviewed the committee’s FY27 recommended uses for the Embarkation Fund, noting that Tisbury’s annual embarkation revenue is roughly $270,000 and FY27 spending proposed from the fund totals $249,325. "All passenger ferry tickets included a 50¢ embarkation fee collected by the State and returned to Massachusetts ports to be spent to offset the impact of ferry terminals," Snyder said.
The committee presented itemized requests that included $85,000 for police traffic-safety salaries and equipment; $6,725 for Martha's Vineyard Law Enforcement Tactical Team membership; $60,000 for dredge permitting, surveys and consultants specific to the Harbor; $12,000 for Town-owned moorings; $18,000 toward a Harbor Department storage building; $4,600 for Fire Department ice/water rescue suits; $30,000 for downtown gateway improvements; $30,000 for Park & Ride pavement patching; and $3,000 for a portable restroom at Lagoon Pond Landing. FinCom questioned whether costs tied to private or regional operations — for example, staging requested by the Steamship Authority — should be borne by the SSA rather than local funds.
Committee members also noted that an increase in online ticket purchases changes how revenue is apportioned and requested the town ask the State for clarification about how online sales are assigned to ports. An action item in the meeting record directs Nancy Gilfoy and Jonathan Snyder to ask the State how online ticket fees are apportioned.
