Port 1 preparing budget, new fees

Port District No. 1 commissioners discussed increasing some fees and revisiting their cancellation policy during their October 4 meeting.

The commissioners reviewed the proposed 2013 budget and rate schedule. Some rates have increased, including transient moorage and cabin rentals. Monthly non-transient moorage rates and annual launch fees for individuals remain the same.

Commissioner Brett Deaton asked Port Manager Jackie Lea if her staff had received complaints because out-of-county residents who moor their boats at the marina on a long-term basis are charged a higher rate than local residents. No, said Lea.

The port proposes to raise the non-refundable reservation cancellation fee from $10 to $15. Lea said some ports charge a percentage-based fee, but she favors a flat fee.

Campers can cancel reservations 48 hours or more in advance with only the $10 penalty. Lea suggests a seven-day notice, because she believes the current policy has lost potential revenue for the port. During spring chinook salmon season, the marina is often filled to capacity. Some people reserve RV sites or cabins months in advance. The problem arises when someone reserves a spot for two weeks, but cancels at the last minute due to reasons such as poor fishing conditions, explained Lea. The camper is out $10, but the port has lost the rest of that potential revenue.

The commissioners decided to revisit the issue at their November meeting.