Mason County sets May 26 public hearing on wake-enhanced motorboat ordinance

Mason County commissioners voted to set a public hearing for 09:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26 to consider a proposed ordinance regulating wake-enhanced motorboat operation.

Mackenzie Smith, clerk of the board (filling in for County Administrator Travis Adams), said county staff had received complaints about property damage from so-called wake-enhanced boats and were recommending a hearing so the public could comment. A motion by a commissioner to set the hearing was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Members of the public were told they may submit written comments and return for the hearing; commissioners and staff clarified that comments on the substantive ordinance would be taken at the May 26 hearing. During the meeting, a local boat owner asked if the county could hold a separate meeting for the wake-boat topic because multiple potentially contentious items were already scheduled for that date; commissioners said the public hearing would remain on May 26 but that time would be made for public comment.

Next step: the county will accept written comments and hold the public hearing at 09:15 a.m. on May 26, when the commission will take testimony and consider whether to adopt the wake-enhanced motorboat operation ordinance.