Resident urges differential marina fees; board asks staff to study feasibility

A Portage resident urged the Board of Parks and Recreation to adopt different launch fees for in‑state and out‑of‑state boaters and proposed offering free launches to Portage residents with ID; the board asked staff to research operational options.

Jessica Nigra, who identified herself as a lifelong Portage resident during public comment, presented comparisons of launch fees at nearby marinas and argued that Portage should charge higher rates for out‑of‑state boats. "I think it should be $10 for Indiana residents, and I think it should be 25 for out of state residents," Nigra said, and she provided copies of her data to the board.

Parks staff (Barb) and members acknowledged the concern but described practical obstacles to enforcing residency‑based fees at a marina that operates 24/7 with drop‑box payments and occasional credit‑card activity at the launch ramp. Barb said differential pricing would likely require additional staff coverage or investment in technology such as gate systems or portable card readers; she said the board already offers season passes ($75 for Portage residents, $200 for others) and that launch fees had been raised previously to cover ramp and maintenance costs.

Board members suggested options including season passes, portable card readers and an initial feasibility study. The board did not change the launch fee structure at the meeting but directed staff to research options for implementing an in‑state vs out‑of‑state fee structure and report back.

Separately, the board granted a 30% discount for an upcoming community fundraiser at Founders Square rather than a full fee waiver, and staff noted marina infrastructure concerns including a sinkhole at B Dock that will require repair work.

Staff will return with a cost/benefit analysis and implementation options for residency‑based pricing before the board considers any formal policy change.