After Wrangell’s Port Commission deliberated for months, the Borough Assembly will discuss requiring marine vessel insurance at the harbors during its Tuesday evening meeting.
If the Assembly approves it, vessel owners must have liability and salvage insurance for vessels 30 feet or greater. It will also ensure that the harbor department assesses the vessels’ maneuverability past the breakwater on an annual basis. Watercraft owners will have to pay a moorage surcharge if they refuse to get insurance. During previous meetings, community members shared a variety of opinions on the issue. Some said the added fees focus on recovery of derelict vessels rather than prevention. Others said the insurance would cover potential damage to vessels caused by other boats.
In other new business, assembly members will discuss amending the fiscal year 2024 budget to include $200,000 from the Old Wrangell Medical Center and property sale. The Assembly will consider depositing the revenue into the residential construction fund, since the sale’s purpose is to increase housing. This will be used for residential development in the future.
Assembly members will also consider money spent on last November’s deadly landslide. The borough wants to allocate $808,533 from the general funds to the Wrangell Fire Department. The funds will be reimbursed through Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance. Expenses range from materials, supplies, professional services, meals for search and rescue, fuel and more.
Additionally, community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on service charges and a proposed three percent water and sewer fee increase. A 2.75% service charge is proposed for credit card payments. Also, if someone pays by check, then a $2.50 service fee may be included. If approved, the fees will go into effect on July 1.
The Wrangell Borough Assembly will hold its regular meeting on June 11 at 7 p.m. in the Borough Assembly Chambers at Wrangell City Hall.
You can listen to the live broadcast of the Wrangell Borough Assembly meeting on KSTK-FM 101.7, or stream online at KSTK.org.
