POINT ARENA CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
AGENDA ITEM: IX A
MEETING DATE: 10/28/2025
TITLE
Consideration of Pier Fee Increases
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Provide direction to City staff regarding the proposed 2026 Pier Fee Schedule
ANALYSIS
The City of Point Arena uses a Fee Schedule to establish Pier fees to offset the cost of providing Pier services. Pier operations is an Enterprise Fund, which means all operational costs should be totally funded by Pier revenues. The Pier’s current Fee Schedule was last updated in 2023, and an update is needed to ensure all fees are accurately capturing the cost to provide any specific services.
Fees are set in accordance with parameters set by Article 13C of the State Constitution, Section 66014 of the California Government Code, and Section 12.25.130 of the Municipal Code. Costs allocated to the payer should bear a fair and reasonable relationship to the payer’s burdens on or benefits received from the governmental activity. Fees should not exceed the reasonable cost of providing the services, including capital repair and replacement costs.
Over the past ten years, Pier operational costs have increased while landing fees and other Pier revenues have substantially decreased. Table I shows the monthly net profit or loss for Pier operations from January 2024 – September 2025.
MONTH 2024 NET PROFIT/LOSS MONTH 2025 NET PROFIT/LOSS
Jan-24 ($6,682) Jan-25 ($614)
Feb-24 ($1,785) Feb-25 ($1,359)
Mar-24 $5,726 Mar-25 ($3,680)
Apr-24 $926 Apr-25 ($1,484)
May-24 $151 May-25 ($113)
Jun-24 ($1,130) Jun-25 ($3,350)
Jul-24 ($1,872) Jul-25 ($6,803)
Aug-24 ($537) Aug-25 $1,621
Sep-24 $269 Sep-25 $2,190
Oct-24 $1,050
Nov-24 $842
Dec-24 ($3,568)
Over the 21 months, only 8 months show a net profit. The deficits can be tied to a number of issues, including:
• Closure of Salmon season for 3 years;
• Reduction of other available fish and shellfish in the Arena Cove area; • Breakdown of operating equipment, including the hoist and the tower prohibiting boat launches for significant periods of time;
• Pier staff is currently $43.97/hour with benefits..
There are two issues that need to be addressed to ensure that the Pier Enterprise Fund remains in the black:
• Increase Pier fees.
• Adopt operating procedures, which include scheduling launches in advance as well as providing launches during a limited time period. This will be discussed at a later date.
The Arena Cove Committee met on October 21, 2025. Arena Cove representatives supported the pier fee increases, including recommending two changes:
• Increase Commercial Fisherman and Sport/Leisure launch fees to $45/launch.
Launch cards are available for $450/10 launches. Staff research shows that hoist launch fees at other locations range from $45 - $53.
• Increase Landing Fees from .15 to .20 cents per pound. • Add an additional fee for boats returning for pick-up after 4 pm.
Table II shows the proposed Pier Fees beginning January 1, 2026. Staff recommends the following changes:
• Launches will be $45 each
• Launch Pass is $450/10 launches for all boat launches. • Boat storage paid quarterly in advance is $255, equating to $85/month. Boat storage paid annually at $900, equating to $75/month.
• Crab pot storage is set at $40/month.
• Landing Fees are .20 cents per pound.
• Late Fee for boats returning for pick-up after 4 pm is $15/every 15 minutes late.
This covers required staff overtime.
FISCAL IMPACT
Revenue estimates will be presented at the meeting.
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A – 2026 Pier Fee Schedule
CITY MANAGER SIGNATURE
_________________________________
Molly Haviland, City Manager
Point Arena Pier Fees Proposed 2026
Services Rate Details
Boat Launch $45.00 (was $40) Hoist lifts into and out of water Boat Launch Pass $400.00 (was $300) Commercial and sport. 10 launches ($40 per launch). Expires in 12 months
Boat Storage $255 per quarter Paid quarterly in advance.
Boat Storage Annual
Pass $900 (was $750) 12 months of storage
Crab Pot Storage $40/month By arrangement only. Crab pots left more than 30 days will incur fees.
Showers $3 / 2 for $5 3 minutes
Product Hoist $5 per use Up and down use
Skiff Hoist $50 annual fee
$50 lost key Exclusive use of the motorized skiff hoist Yellow Hoist $60/hour Exclusive use of hoist for nonlaunch/landing operations Forklift $60/hour Exclusive use of forklift for extended operations
After Hours Fee $15 per 15 minutes Assessed when staff is required to stay beyond regularly scheduled hours
Landing Fees
Salmon $ .20 per pound
Crab $ .20 per pound
Urchin $ .20 per pound
All other fish $ .20 per pound
Merchandise
Sweatshirt $60
Hat $40
Sticker $3
LATE FEES
Boat storage fees are due at the start of
each quarter. Payments received after the
due date will incur a $10 per month late
fee.
Other bills or landing fees not paid within
30 days will incur an 18% penalty.
Your timely payments help keep the Point
Arena Pier operational. Thank you for
your support!