With questions looming over financial and organizational issues, the Marine Resources Commission met Monday night with a Select Board member, the police chief and the town administrator.
At a meeting last month, MRC members said the MRC generates revenue but some of that revenue goes into the general town treasury. However, when it comes to funding Waterways projects, the MRC cannot access those funds, yet are expected to help finance some major projects unrelated to its operations.
At the forefront of the MRC’s attention are the new Marine Center (harbormaster operations building) and much-needed repair of the seawall at Island Wharf.
Town Administrator Geoff Gorman and other officials discussed ways to ensure that as much as possible, MRC revenue goes toward harbor issues. If not, he said officials can work together toward grants and other opportunities that would not financially hamstring the Harbormaster Department.
“Every single person is in this town,” Gorman said, “we are using taxpayer money and mooring fees.”
He suggested that the MRC and town officials devise a five-year capital plan and lay out the funding sources for all projects.
Interim Harbormaster Adam Murphy said that with the upcoming new headquarters construction, harbor-related fees will have to increase but an explanatory pamphlet could justify how the increases offset expenses. Select Board member Randy Parker said that a five-year capital plan with detailed funding sources could be a model for other organizations to follow.
“So when we know Waterways (Department) can’t afford (a capital expenditure), so can it come out of the general fund or grants,” Gorman added.
MRC members also talked about an issue of abandoned boat moorings and moorings used by multiple parties. Murphy said he just cannot remove the mooring from the former owner and reassign it. He must send registered letters and undergo a legal process.
MRC officials discussed having commercial areas use colors to distinguish their moorings, which is in line with local regulations. Such a process could help officials identify unused moorings and other related issues.
The next meeting of the Marion Marine Resources Commission is scheduled for Monday, September 11, at 7:00 pm.
Marion Marine Resources Commission
By Jeffrey D. Wagner