PRESS RELEASE

 To:   Port Orchard Independent (876-4458)          From:   Alan Fletcher, Contract Administrator
         Kitsap Sun (415-2681)

NEW - Launch Ramp Fees Start April 1

Beginning in April 2010, the Port will charge a ramp fee for boat launches at its popular Main Street facility.  While launches have historically been free, the costs for garbage, janitorial, facility repairs, general maintenance have continued to rise.  Users are now asked to help support these vital services when they launch by paying a $5.00 daily ramp fee or by purchasing an annual pass.  Annual passes are $50 per year for residents living “in” the Port taxing-district and $100 per year for “out” of district users.  Annual passes will not be prorated for partial year activities.  All monies go directly to support operations & maintenance.  Obtain Annual Pass at Manchester Water District.  Visit www.portofmanchester.com or call 360 871.0500, during business hours.

 Historically, the Port has operated exclusively through property taxes (16¢ per $1,000 of assessed value or about $48 per year on a $300,000 home).  Over time, the Port has been able to support Operations & Maintenance (O & M) expenses, as well as, over $2 million in community, boating, and recreational facilities through this base levy (+$95,000 year).  Unfortunately, O & M expenses and construction project costs rise every year, and the Port Commission has to look for ways to increase revenues to support community services. 

 In 2009, the Port investigated ways to increase revenues, including annexing additional area, increasing its tax levy, and charging for services.  The Port also investigated forming a special taxing district and heard unequivocally from citizens that it should look to user fees before considering an increase in property taxes.  As a result, the Port Commission tasked the Port Advisory Committee (PAC) to review funding options.

 The PAC determined that the most equitable method for funding O & M is to charge a launch fee at the boat ramp.  The PAC’s analysis concluded that a modest ramp fee could help pay for about 50% of annual O & M expenses.  In addition, the PAC has found that over 75% of launch users live outside the taxing district and that all customers should help support activities.