By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
RIVERVIEW – The City Council has voted to allow nonresidents to use the city’s boat ramps in order to raise revenue.
The first reading of the ordinance, by title only, was at Monday’s council meeting. It authorizes the City Clerk’s Office to allow nonresidents to purchase annual boat ramp permits at a higher cost than residents pay.
Officials are hoping to sell 50 nonresident permits at $100 each. City officials say already seven of them had been sold as of Friday. Residents pay $25 for an annual permit.
Anyone who uses the launch without a permit is subject to a fine of $50.
The council anticipated before the meeting that some residents might fear increased boat ramp crowding and waits during peak usage hours. Officials noted, however, that former residents who still want to use the boat ramp have been known to have a city resident buy a boat ramp sticker for them in the resident’s name.
Mayor Tim Durand said people are willing to pay the amount because the wait to launch a boat in Riverview is shorter than at other public launch sites.
Councilman James Trombley suggested a $75 fee for nonresident city employees. Durand suggested revisiting the idea next season after seeing how the initial nonresident proposal is received.