At next Thursday’s Town Council Planning Retreat, the possibility of using a management company to operate the harbor will be discussed.
Vice-Mayor Steve Bennett has been advocating for a management company to either lease or manage the harbor. One company, Oasis Management group has met with Council twice since January 31, 2017. V
Another possible group that may be interested in managing the harbor as well. According to Mayor Dize, “the main reason for even entertaining the outsourcing of the harbor is the fund has been underperforming for quite some time. It is however now covering operational cost but not the debt service.”
Possible Pros:
1. Out of the one company we have heard from, Marketing and networking to bring boats in.
2. Staff sourcing and training
3. Possible steady revenue stream to the town (depending on the agreement)
Possible Cons:
1. The possibility of one company having a monopoly on the Harbor
2. The possibility of losing part of our heritage (watermen)
3. Still having to cover the Debt service.
4. Still having to put capitol dollars in the harbor with minimal return
5. The possibility of town employees losing their jobs
6. Changing town code to reflect these changes.
The recommendation from Town Staff is for Council to make a motion to either direct the Mayor to develop an RFP for a Harbor Management Group or make a motion not to pursue a Harbor Management Group.
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What is the annual debt service amount for the Harbor? What is wrong with one company managing the harbor? Why can’t the lease be for a period of 5 years with the option to renew? Shouldn’t the town define specific performance criteria for the leasee? If the harbor is well managed why would we lose our watermen? The leasee could hire the town employees who work at the harbor? These don’t seem to be insurmountable problems.
Outside management seems to be another cost to the town and taxpayer. CC has 2 other marinas run as for profit businesses. If the town harbor is to be a for profit enterprise, then set economic performance criteria for its management and hire/fire accordingly.