The Harbors and Waters Board voted this week to advance its fiscal 2027 budget after a detailed review of anticipated capital needs, operational costs, and infrastructure challenges presented by Harbormaster Mark Souza.
The discussion centered on an estimated $200,000 in capital work planned for the coming year, much of it aimed at maintaining or replacing aging floats, electrical systems, and navigational aids.
Souza explained that one of the larger capital items involves replacing a float whose size requirements have grown, increasing both material and construction expenses. Removing old floats remains a labor-intensive process, he said, noting that the department typically dismantles them piece by piece and hauls them to the transfer station when resale proves unlikely.
Another area of concern is the deteriorating electrical service at Cliff Street, opposite the Yacht Club. The service, which Souza described as “scary,” needs full replacement. The department plans to complete the carpentry and siding work internally, while the electrical portion is expected to cost up to $15,000 based on quotes received.
Routine building and grounds repairs were again budgeted at $10,000, an annual allocation intended to cover unexpected issues such as damaged boards or chain repairs. Souza also reported that the chains at Commercial Street are due for a complete replacement this year. With marine hardware costs rising significantly, the department expects to spend an additional $10,000 on that work.
Souza told the Board that several of the town’s no-wake and channel buoys have begun to sink as they become waterlogged. He estimated that replacing roughly half of the fleet this year will cost $15,000, with the remainder scheduled for a later budget cycle. The department will also need about $5,000 in equipment for its new patrol boat, items not included in grant funding or supplied by the boat builder. Some equipment will be transferred from the existing vessel, but new radios and safety gear must still be purchased.
After the presentation, the Board voted to approve the fiscal 2027 spending plan, which includes $485,233 in salaries, $634,257 in operational expenses, and $200,000 in capital outlays. Members also agreed to place several fee changes on the Town Meeting warrant, including an increase in mooring permits from $9 to $12 per foot in the main harbor and from $9 to $11 per foot on the West Shore. The Board also supported reducing the commercial fishermen’s rate to $7 and raising float permit fees from $6.50 to $10 per linear foot.
Souza updated the Board on the status of the department’s new patrol boat, which remains at the builder’s facility awaiting two parts needed before delivery. The vessel recently completed its sea trial, and the builder plans to test upgraded systems once the remaining components arrive. Delivery is now expected after the New Year. The department opted to ship the vessel primarily by train from the Ohio Valley to reduce costs, though Souza noted that rail transport has become increasingly expensive due to tariff changes and seasonal freight demands. Although the department was eligible for $10,000 in grant-funded shipping assistance, the lowest quote he was able to secure was $35,000.
In other business, board members briefly discussed construction activity across the harbor, where new piers are being installed as part of residential development on Harris Street. Souza said two new floats associated with the project will require Chapter 91 permitting, and applications are already underway.