Newport Beach’s Harbor Commission is considering an increase in the rates charged for anchoring a vessel in the mooring fields throughout Newport Harbor, with some boaters potentially facing a hike of more than 400%.
Currently the harbor charges $3.34 per linear foot of boat per month for the moorings, which come with no amenities such as power or water and can only be reached by using a dinghy, paddleboard or another sort of watercraft. The latest version of the increase being discussed by the commissioners would charge between $7.77 and $17.78 per linear foot, with the cost rising with the size of the boat. A consultant’s appraisal had suggested up to $23.25 on the higher end.
Several of the boaters who use the harbor argue the increase will make their ocean-oriented lifestyle unaffordable, but city officials say the proposed rate increase is commensurate with what the market bears out and the present rates are too low for maintaining the public harbor.
The Harbor Commission held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, another in a series of public meetings on the proposed rate increase, hearing from more than two dozen boaters. The Newport Mooring Association, which represents mooring holders in the harbor, offered a new rate sheet with what its members argue would be a fair rate increase. The association is recommending a $41 a year rate.
“We feel the current rate can stay the same with a cost of living adjustment,” said Wade Womack, speaking for the association’s board. “We feel that is fair since the city still has not provided us with a way to get out to our boats. The independent appraisal submitted to the Harbor Commission this week takes into account the lack of access and indicates the fair use rate for a mooring permit is $41 per lineal foot (of boat length) yearly.”
A subcommittee of three commissioners – Steve Scully, Ira Beer and Scott Cunningham – will continue to review the proposal, including the new materials presented.
“We received…
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