Just a question

[dwna1a]

Short background,James City County owns the marina I slip in. It was built in the 60’s and has had a few upgrades over the years. Once the county took over it was seen as a cash cow for Parks & Rec. Last year they started to rebuild the place starting with a dredge and bulkhead. For a year now all we have had is a roof over the boats, power that we pay for, and water.

Last month the told us that they will be increasing our slip fees by 25% to help cover the cost of the upgrades. We don’t mind the increase but we are asking why the increase now when we have nothing to show for it.

Are we asking to much? Should we be asking them to hold the increase till the basic amenities are restored?

 

[Little Ducky]

What are the comps like in the area?

If the upgrades are continuous and visible showing the new management has pride in the property I'd just go along with it. When was the last bump in slip fees?

If the 25% increase prices them above a neighboring marina that has the same amenities I might be inclined to take business else ware. If enough move out the message will be sent.

 

[PlayDate]

It's a political issue so you need your County Supervisor behind you. They will pontificate on budgets and timing but the real threat is getting a newspaper to write about it. If private companies weren't allowed to raise rents during Covid......what makes them think it is a good idea for a Public entity to raise the rents when they haven't finished the work?

 

[HawkX66]

I'd go to Hayes/Gloucester if I were you. Your area is always expensive because of Williamsburg. There is a great newly renovated marina that's very reasonable. $2,300/yr. $1,500/season. Severn Yachting Center. Quiet. Just the way I like things. No live aboards. Owners are super nice people.
Your increase doesn't surprise me with all the retainer wall work and dredging they're doing. Think they're ever going to open the paved road back up? You're definitely not asking for too much asking them to wait for completion.

 

[dwna1a]

At this time we have no amenities. We haven’t all year. The other area marina that they are comparing us to have full amenities.

They say that this current phase will be done in January, but they also said it was to be done by Memorial Day, then Labor Day. It’s been a hack job since day one. Countless change orders, mistakes made by both the County and contractors. It’s been many years since there was an increase, they have tried twice before. First time they tried by raising the rate to any boater not living here, saying those boaters don’t pay a tax here. That was shot down fast as all boater pay a personal property tax for the boats location, not where the owner lives.

IF I move it will be to Grays Creek.

 

[HawkX66]

At this time we have no amenities. We haven’t all year. The other area marina that they are comparing us to have full amenities.

They say that this current phase will be done in January, but they also said it was to be done by Memorial Day, then Labor Day. It’s been a hack job since day one. Countless change orders, mistakes made by both the County and contractors. It’s been many years since there was an increase, they have tried twice before. First time they tried by raising the rate to any boater not living here, saying those boaters don’t pay a tax here. That was shot down fast as all boater pay a personal property tax for the boats location, not where the owner lives.

IF I move it will be to Grays Creek.

You must enjoy paying crazy personal property taxes.

 

[HawkX66]

4% per year on NADA value in James City and Surry. No thanks! .001% in Gloucester county. My county wants 3.94% or $1,500/yr just to park my boat in my yard. "I don't think so Tim... "

 

[dwna1a]

Hawk many years back they found that big boats pay the bills and support other businesses. They also found that many big boats had moved to Hampton or Portsmouth which had no taxes on boats. So they changed the tax rate to .01 per 100.00. The break is at 10,000 pounds. Mine is just above that mark. My tax is around $150.00 per year

 

[HawkX66]

Hawk many years back they found that big boats pay the bills and support other businesses. They also found that many big boats had moved to Hampton or Portsmouth which had no taxes on boats. So they changed the tax rate to .01 per 100.00. The break is at 10,000 pounds. Mine is just above that mark. My tax is around $150.00 per year

Wow! That's great. I was reading the latest on the VA tax .gov site which was 2018. I wish my county would figure that out... Happy to pay my FAIR share lol

 

[1956olds]

when the city took over management of liberty harbor in bay city the rent went up.Then the manager started putting a long stick across the end posts of the docks and if you were an inch over length they wanted you to move and pay for a five ft longer slip,and if you decided not to stay they kept your money for the season. Needless to say that marina has had very few boats in it for years . They have no amenities either one bath house water and electric plus gates to each pier that are usually unlocked anyway. What the hell is a boat tax?

 

[Carpediem44DB]

Wow! I guess I should not whine about paying 1.2% of depreciated value in CA. Our income taxes and fuel taxes are the real killers though as well as our vehicle registration fees. I got my renewal last week for the 2014 Ram 2500 HD and it was $725 for the tags!
Carpe Deim

 

[HawkX66]

Wow! I guess I should not whine about paying 1.2% of depreciated value in CA. Our income taxes and fuel taxes are the real killers though as well as our vehicle registration fees. I got my renewal last week for the 2014 Ram 2500 HD and it was $725 for the tags!
Carpe Deim

My 2017 Expy Personal Property tax for this year is $1,300. Can't wait to see what my new F350 diesel is going to be next year. I thought Massachusetts was bad. Virginia is much worse. Criminal. Oh, but my property taxes are low because I'm out in the country... The socialism disease is rooted deep here in the south. They all think they're Robin Hood.