PBC commissioners agree to hold off on the $10 boat ramp fee

[BoatingBay]

Facing protests from boating enthusiasts over a proposed $10 saltwater boat ramp fee, Palm Beach County commissioners this afternoon agreed to hunt for alternative ways of raising money from boaters.

County managers have proposed the fee as a way to generate about $400,000 next year to avoid other budget cuts to the county's parks department. The fee would be charged at five of the county's 13 boat ramps.

During a budget workshop, commissioners directed county staff to meet privately with boating industry leaders to develop an alternative to the fee. An alternative mentioned is an annual permit for unlimited use of boat ramps.