Depoe Bay Council Agrees To Work Session With Users Regarding Harbor Fees

At the October 21st Depoe Bay city council meeting, the proposed harbor user fee ordinance sparked debate among business owners, residents, and local officials. The ordinance aims to help the harbor cover its operating deficit but has raised widespread concern about unintended consequences for tourism, family affordability, and local charter businesses. The first reading of the harbor fee increase passed unanimously, then the council took public comment and delayed the second reading.

Several residents and business operators voiced apprehension that the new fee could increase costs for visitors partaking in local whale watching and fishing excursions—a major draw for the Depoe Bay economy. “We charge $20 for a child’s whale watching trip. A $2 fee per child is a 10% surcharge—and that’s a burden for families,” Noelie Achen Vice President and co-owner of Tradewinds explained. Others warned that the fee structure, as drafted, risks confusion and legal challenges due to its broad definitions and the operational complexities of involving businesses as intermediaries to collect fees.

Community members repeatedly requested the council delay any final vote on the ordinance, instead urging city leaders to convene work sessions and solicit more input on alternative funding models. “Now it’s the off season, and we actually have the time—please give us the opportunity to come back with better solutions,” urged Carrie Newel, owner of the Whale Watch Excursions.

Councilor Fran Recht, said enough time had been given and she wanted the ordinance to be passed "The harbor Commission has held many, many hearings that I know people say we don't have enough time. Now, it's our busy season. Give us more time." Recht said she wanted to enact this ordinance, that goes in effect in January, and if there some better ideas, that come forward theyn the council can rescind it.

City officials acknowledged the public’s concerns and discussed options for a more collaborative process, including potentially delaying the final vote and scheduling work sessions after the next Harbor Commission meeting. Councilor Masella suggested, “We could keep the timeline moving but allow opportunities to come up with other ideas.”

The council in the end decided to delay the second reading until a works session with the public and the harbor commission could be held to listen to other ways to help increase funding at the harbor. The joint works session is scheduled for Nobember 13.