The cost to launch your boat in the City of Sturgeon Bay next year will increase, especially if you are a commercial user, as the Sturgeon Bay Common Council approved raising daily, seasonal, and commercial user fees.
After discussing concerns over doubling the commercial user's fee from $50 to $100, a motion to refer the boat launch resolution back to the Finance/Purchasing & Building Committee was voted down 3-2, with Mayor David Ward casting the deciding vote. The Council then approved the resolution by a 3-1 vote, with Councilmember Gary Nault abstaining due to his fishing connections. He did share some comments from commercial anglers that raised issues with the doubling of the fees.
Finance Chair and Councilmember Helen Bacon noted that other northern Door County locations charge over $100 for commercial users.
The price increase is the first since December 2011. The daily launch fee will increase from $7 to $8. The seasonal launch pass would go from $44 for a city resident to $50 and $73 to $80 for non-residents.
According to Municipal Director Mike Barker, the fee hikes will raise approximately $6,500 in additional revenue and will be used to help offset dock repairs in the future.
The Sturgeon Bay Common Council also approved the purchase of a new Ford F-350 truck along with a stainless steel dump body and V-plow with two other actions on Tuesday night.
