EVERETT — The Port of Everett is increasing its moorage fees at the marina by 3.5 percent and adding a new charge for people who live on their boats.
The 3.5 percent rate hike will take effect May 1 and affect everything from boats moored at docks to those with boathouses and from recreational boats to commercial fishing vessels.
In addition to the fee hike, the port is also increasing its environmental fee from $1 to $6 to help pay for increasing expenses related to environmental protection and cleanup, officials said. That money will cover activities such as storm water monitoring, oil and water separators, marine spill response supplies and hazardous waste disposal.
With the new rates, a 20-foot boat with open moorage would cost about $115 a month, according to marina director Cyndy Olson. A 32-foot boat would be $354 a month and a 70-footer would be $1,001 a month.
Several boat owners and liveaboards complained about the increases, asking the commissioners for more time.
Richard Cook said people who live on their boats are a benefit to the marina because they see problems and dangers and help get them fixed. “It’s kind of like a neighborhood watch,” he said, noting that the new fee left him feeling “a little blindsided.”
Port commissioner Connie Niva noted that she and her neighbors “help each other out as well, but we also pay for our garbage.”
The liveaboard fee was set for July 1 to give people enough time to adjust.
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