After several months without an attendant on site the Cedar Key Marina conditions have come to a head. A major part of the presentation by Public Works Director Josh Wilson at the July 19 Commission meeting was a recommendation that rental fees be increased. Furthermore, Wilson recommended more effective collection of rental fees. He said that some renters are four to ten months behind in payment.
A survey by Wilson of other municipal marina fees indicates that revenue could be increased two or three times and still be less that the state average. The slips in the marina are full, and there is a waiting list. A lively discussion by the Commissioners followed Wilson`s presentation. Hiring a part-time attendant was agreed upon. Commissioner Sue Colson, who has been historically concerned about the operation of the marina, led the way to collection of the unpaid fees. Renters are to be given ten days to make overdue payments. Also, fees based on the size of the boat at the slip will be enforced.
Currently, rental fees bring in about $18,000 per year. The state average is about $72,000 per year according to Wilson. The rate increases that he recommended would generate about $48,000 per year. A renter of one of the outside facilities in the marina, Doug Maple addressed the Commission from the audience. He pointed out that the tour boat operators bring people to Cedar Key. He said that the Commission should look upon the businesses that use the marina as partners. | 