PBC new trailer boat fee

[mneptune]

Palm Beach County approves less-expensive boat fee alternative
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

6:03 p.m. EDT, October 6, 2009
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WEST PALM BEACH - Palm Beach County commissioners Tuesday approved a less expensive alternative for new boat ramp fees that this year drew the ire of local boaters.

The county this summer approved a $35 annual fee to use the county's five saltwater boat ramps. The fee would help pay parks costs at a time when a struggling economy leaves the county facing deep budget cuts.

On Tuesday, commissioners agreed to also offer a $10-per-day option that would be less expensive for out-of-town visitors and others who don't regularly use the boat ramps.

Instead of imposing the new boat ramp fees this fall, they will begin Jan. 1.

Boaters fought the imposition of ramp fees for more than a year, arguing they already are overtaxed for everything from gasoline to fishing tackle.

After the county approved the annual fee in July, the Marine Industries of Palm Beach County supported at least offering the $10 daily option for boaters who do not plan to repeatedly use county boat ramps.

Commissioner Karen Marcus has opposed the fees, and cast the only vote against the $10-per-day option. "With rising vessel registration fees and other taxes, boaters already pay their share", Marcus said.

"It's a fairness issue," Marcus said. "Now they are getting hit again."

County parks subject to the fee include: Burt Reynolds Park in Jupiter, Bert Winters Park and Juno Park in Juno Beach, Phil Foster Park and light Harbor Park in Riviera Beach.

Palm Beach County boaters who opposed the fees have argued that as private marinas and high-end condos eat up more of the coastline, adding fees to county parks presents one more discouragement to boating.

Fee supporters have countered that those who can afford to own a boat can afford to pay a little more to help pay for waterfront access at county parks. Plus, the county invested millions in waterfront parks, artificial reefs and other waterway projects that benefit boaters.

Other cities and counties also charge boat ramp fees. Boca Raton charges $15 a day or $37 for an annual permit. Boynton Beach charges $10 a day or $50 for an annual permit.

The plan for the $35 annual fee and the new $10-per-day option call for boaters to pay online or at two county walk-up locations. The county parks department website is Parks & Recreation Department. The offices where boaters could pay the fees in person are: John Prince Park, 2700 Sixth Avenue South in Lake Worth and the West Jupiter Recreation Center, 6401 Indiantown Road.


Nice dissent Ms. Marcus, I'll keep you in mind for further public service....

[GT Fish]

I heard they are building a new ramp on the SW corner of indiantown bridge..It's next to the Jonathans landing property..Sucks to pay for Parks and recreation not for boat ramps..That money goes to the park so some dipshat can fish at the ramp...

[quack quack]

I have known Karen Marcus for years. I met with her a few times when we were trying to get the Juno pier built. Also met with her back when they put in the ban on firing any firearms east of 20 miles bend. She fought against it but we lost. She is good people for sure. While all her fellow members have either been put in jail or kicked out for other bad things. She has always been clean and for the people!!!!