After a two week hiatus of practically nothing of interest on the city council agenda, we're back with a Harbor Patrol topic and some wondering about what kind of water rights stuff the city council is talking about behind closed doors.

Almost every week this is the "What's on the city council's plate this week" review. I don't cover everything, so if you want the full rundown, read the packet and agenda yourself.

1. The last time I remember the city council going into executive session (where the public is not allowed) to talk about water rights, they decided to condemn the Olympia Brewery's vast supply.

2. The Olympia harbor patrol will likely get $37,000 in addition funds to keep the program from folding. Income that supports the program, excise tax from boating, isn't enough to keep the all volunteer run program afloat. After the $37,000 influx, costs could be cut (such as limiting the scope of the patrol) to make it more affordable.

From the staff report (pdf file):

The Harbor Patrol has been in operation for just over 25 years. It is completely staffed by volunteers, who work under the supervision of the Police Department’s Special Operations Bureau. The annual cost for operating the program in recent years has been between $28,000 and $32,000 per year – which includes funding for boat maintenance and vessel replacement.

In 2006, the amount budgeted for boat maintenance and vessel replacement alone was $18,753 – more than we received from boating excise tax distribution. In analyzing the situation, the only viable alternatives are either to cut the program immediately, or cut the program at the point where it can no longer be supported with a combination of existing funds and excise tax revenues.

Given the unique value of the volunteerism connected with the program, we believe the latter alternative is the best one. Since this program involves virtually no labor costs, the primary factors that determine how long the program can operate with existing funding are the life expectancy of the boat and the ability to maintain the boat in safe running condition. The excise tax money is sufficient to provide funding for fuel, materials, uniforms, training, other program elements and a small amount of maintenance. Fortunately, the boat itself is quite sturdy, and barring a serious accident, it could have a lifespan of 15-20 years or even longer. Maintenance is a different story, however. Boat maintenance can be very expensive, and it is an unavoidable, on-going cost.

Chief Michel, Finance Director Kirkemo and Public Works Director Mucha met and identified that a finite source of funding for boat maintenance could be created by taking $37,000 out of the Equipment Rental Fund that has already been set aside for boat replacement and putting it into the Boating Safety account (an existing special fund) for boat maintenance. If that action were taken, it is likely that the Harbor Patrol program could continue to operate on that fund and the excise tax money for awhile longer – perhaps a few more years. To make the fullest use of the Boating Safety account, we would reduce the services provided by the Harbor Patrol with the aim of minimizing wear and tear on the vessel, and thus minimizing maintenance expenses. Specifically, we’d be limiting patrol work to the City limits – perhaps with the sole exception of responding to life threatening emergencies. It’s important to remember that the Boating Safety account would contain one-time monies, so when it was depleted, the program would end.