Poor economy blows clouds over Saugatuck sunsets
Say goodnight to free sunsets at Oval Beach.
The Saugatuck City Council wants to extend the hours it charges to park at the popular beach and eliminate free passes — even for residents — to head off declining revenues and rising expenses linked to the recent acquisition of 171 acres of duneland.
“You can still come to Saugatuck and see a great sunset for a reasonable price,” said City Manager Kirk Harrier.
Harrier will prepare specifics so the council and public can discuss the idea before a decision is made.
“It costs us money to run the beach. People who use it should fund it,” said Councilman bill Hess at a council work session Thursday.
“I still have reservations,” said Councilman mark Bekken, adding that catching a sunset for free was a goodwill gesture.
“I hate to take that away.”
One factor makes Oval Beach different than other beaches in Allegan County: People can drive their vehicles right up to the sand and not have buildings, dunes or trees blocking the view of the western sky. and there are public restrooms.
The fees charged when entering Oval Beach apply to parking only. People who ride bicycles, who walk in or ride the bus in get in free. the city charges between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Proposed new fees and hours are $6 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. the park will close at 10 p.m.
Last summer, parking cost $5 Monday through Friday and $10 on weekends and holidays between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. the park closed at 11 p.m.
The proposed hours are in line with Holland State Park, which collects $6 until 10 p.m.
The city is expecting a $100,000 drop in general fund revenues for the 2010-2011 fiscal year due to state cuts and decreases in taxable values.
In fiscal year 2008-2009, the city spent $174,622 on Oval Beach, including equipment for sand removal in the parking lot, maintenance of the restroom, concession stand, stairs and boardwalk.
With other parks, chain ferry, rose garden and boat launch included, the city spends $417,198 on resort-related activities.
Combined income from those sources is $263,500, leaving the city $153,698 in the red.
To handle the expected increase in traffic at the beach because of the addition of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, at least one new beach patrol member will be hired and the city will pay for reserve officers from the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office to handle possible traffic overflows.
The city has also spent $30,000 in legal fees to acquire the new land.
By extending the hours charged for parking, the city can raise another $20,000, Harrier said.
More money will be raised by eliminating the 85 free annual passes given to city officials and board members. the 74 free annual passes given to people who pay personal property tax will be eliminated, and residents who pay real property taxes will also lose their free annual passes worth $40 and will be charged $20.
