MEXICO BEACH — After several months of discussion, the Mexico Beach City Council followed in the steps of Port St. Joe during its regular meeting last week by instituting an honor-based fee for the city’s public boat ramp.
Despite letters from concerned citizens, business owners and visitors that opposed the ordinance, the council voted it through in a split decision.
To stay competitive with Port St. Joe, the fee for use of the ramp will be $10 per day or $50 per year for ramp access. Those who live in Mexico Beach, own property or use the ramp for commercial purposes and have an occupational license could continue to use the ramp free of charge.
Fees collected through the drop box system can be used only for maintenance and improvement projects on the ramp. Since instituting similar fees in May, the city of Port St. Joe has collected more than $17,000 at the ramp in Frank Pate Park.
The Mexico Beach boat ramp is owned by the St. Joe Co. but was donated to the city for use. Though some council members had doubts as to whether the St. Joe Co. would support the fees, the company gave its blessing.
Even the Mexico Beach Community Development Council (MBCDC) sent a letter to the council opposing the ordinance.
“The MBCDC is committed to developing Mexico Beach as a year-round vacation destination and believes that this fee will adversely impact our tourism efforts,” read the letter from the Board of Directors.
Councilwoman Tanya Castro accused Mayor Al Cathey of going to the MBCDC board meeting and soliciting the letter.
“I was not there to solicit,” Cathey said. “I simply went to make them aware” of the ordinance. “I went as a business owner, not the mayor.”
Castro said MBCDC surveys filled out by guests had never mentioned the boat ramp as a central reason for visiting, and according to those same surveys, the ramp was utilized by just 17 percent of summer visitors and 8 percent of snowbirds.
“Overwhelmingly, I’ve received comments and feedback that this is the right thing to do,” Castro said. “Unfortunately, sales tax dollars are not covering the costs of the city. I encourage my colleagues to think about the taxpayers.”
Castro stood firm in her belief that regular visitors would not abandon Mexico Beach because of a nominal fee, saying if she thought local business owners might suffer, she would not support the ordinance.
“It’s an opportunity to improve the ramp for our visitors,” Councilwoman Mary Blackburn said. “It’s an opportunity to improve the boating experience, and it’s the right thing to do.”
Blackburn, who said she has adamantly opposed new taxes since being elected earlier in the year, reminded the council that the ordinance allows the fees to be revisited after one year and can be amended or thrown out at that time.
Mexico Beach marina owner Nate Odum told council members he had surveyed his customers, and most are not in support of the fees. He said that although he understood it could be a good thing, his concern was the timing, especially as Mexico Beach heads into the slower season where it needs all the financial support it can get.
“I don’t know if this is the right time to do this,” Odum said.
Cathey said the fees target short-term visitors to the area, and he didn’t feel right about asking those already supporting the city to pay an additional tax.
“I’m not willing to gamble,” Cathey said. “I don’t agree with the thinking that it won’t affect who we are. This is the worst ordinance we could possibly pass.”
Castro made a motion to adopt the ordinance, which was seconded by Blackburn. The motion passed 3-2 with Cathey and Councilman Jack Mullen dissenting.
After the vote, numerous citizens stood up and left the meeting, many expressing disappointment for the adoption.