The Oak Harbor Marina might be a prime example that, when given the chance, people will vote with their feet.
The city’s beloved marina sits almost 40 percent empty, even as major upgrades are either finished or are on their way. Sure, the economy is bad and boating is one of the easiest places to cut back for most families, but other marinas aren’t doing so poorly with their occupancy rates. Oak Harbor marina supporters tend to blame the recent moorage fee increases. Two have been levied over the past two years, and a third is planned for 2012.
The recommendation on the table is for the City Council to forego the next planned fee increase in an effort to stabilize or even increase the number of boaters using the marina. This seems like a sensible proposal in light of the dwindling number of boats at the Oak Harbor Marina.
Unlike citizens who own homes in the city or county, it’s easy for boaters to vote with their feet. We can’t pack up our homes and skedaddle when another new tax or fee is imposed. Boaters face no such impediment. If costs get too high they can crank up the engine or hoist the sails and go elsewhere. An alternative is to just trailer smaller boats and park them in the driveway.
Homeowners aren’t so fortunate, but ever-increasing taxes and fees also have an impact on this area of the Island County’s economy. If the cost of living here is higher than elsewhere, people just won’t move here. It’s a little inconvenient living on an island, and for those who can’t afford waterfront property or high bluff views, Mount Vernon or Everett are good alternatives.
The marina situation should provide a lesson for all Island County elected officials. Before raising taxes or fees, take a look around. How do they compare to nearby counties? Could they be the deal breaker when someone is trying to sell a house? A few bucks a month can make a difference, particularly to growing families. It may be no coincidence that much of the island is losing its younger people while becoming a destination for well-heeled retirees who are more willing to overlook the costs associated with living here.
As the marina shows, it’s a competitive economy in every way and people will vote with their feet when given the chance whether that means moving elsewhere or not coming here at all. If our taxes and fees aren’t competitive we’ll all pay for it in the end.
