Budgetary issues and Island Wharf parking were some of the main topics discussed at the January 22 Marion Marine Resources Commission meeting in the Maritime Center conference room.
Harbormaster Adam Murphy said that a key budgetary issue is two capital expenses that the department must spend – but choosing the right funding mechanism is in discussions with town officials.
Murphy said that the Harbormaster Department is in need of a new forklift and general vehicle, which costs $230,000 in total.
Murphy said he found a program in which the town can lease these vehicles and it would be paid for by the marine department Fiscal 2027 budget at a cheaper price. This process would negate a full purchase through capital improvement funds. It would also save money for the Fiscal 2027 budget, breaking up those expenses over a number of years.
Murphy said his department has met with Finance Director Heather O’Brien for preliminary talks but mentioned that it is difficult for his department to meet the deadline set by the Finance Committee. That committee is asking the town department to finalize budgets in February or early March.
Recently, the Finance Committee has set a deadline for making budget recommendations to the Select Board by around March 25. The Select Board will then make its final recommendations before the warrant is closed by the end of that month.
Murphy and MRC Chair Vincent Malkoski Jr. said that the marine division is sending out invoices to different boating parties and early collection of these funds would help the process.
“We do not have budget creation authority,” Malkoski said. “The Chief and Adam (Murphy) are working on it.” He added, “We are expediting the process of getting invoices out.”
Malkoski said the MRC has decided not to raise fees because traditionally there must be a need for the fee to increase. Murphy said that the department has not been able to review its fee data, a long process.
The department also recently launched a new patrol boat, a needed expense as it was stated the old one was in terrible condition. That expense alone has complicated finances for the MRC and right now, the department is trying to avoid a budget shortfall, which is presently the case.
In other MRC news, Malkoski brought up how there has been no resolution about non-boaters parking at Island Wharf or the parking issues that plague that area of town during the summer months.
He said many complain about non-boaters parking at Island Wharf during summer concerts, weddings and for other activities. Meanwhile, some people complain about boating equipment parked near the open space, town-owned grass area near the town bandstand.
There were meetings about this issue last summer, but Malkoski said the conversation has to continue with more parties involved.
“It’s not something a single group can vote on,” Malkoski said.
The next meeting of the Marion Marine Resources Commission was not scheduled at adjournment.
Marion Marine Resources Commission
By Jeffrey D. Wagner