Dana Point Boaters Association eNews
January 12, 2010
 Boats
Dear ,

Today we heard  some good news at the Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting in Santa Ana.
 
As previously reported, the problems inherent with Orange County's deployment and funding of the Harbor Patrol have existed for over 35 years.  There's been an almost unbelievable 19 different reports submitted and filed by the County so far.  Yet various fundamental problems remained unsolved. 
 
But today was a little bit different.  The Board of Supervisors agreed they would not just "discuss and file" the latest report.  Instead they authorized what is known as a "Performance Audit".  This is to be a fully independent, detailed and careful review to recommend what services the department should provide, how it should be structured, who it should report to, and how it should be funded.  Click here to learn a little more about what a Performance Audit is.
 
This decision is a good thing for all boaters who use Dana Point Harbor, because our Tidelands Trust is already paying more than its fair share of total Harbor Patrol costs.  This key finding was reinforced by a total of 16 public speakers, many being boaters from Dana Point.  Yes, the Supervisors did listen, and yes, they did get it! 
 
While this pie hasn't even been put in the oven yet, there are two eventual outcomes we are able to report:
 
  1. Additional funding sources are required to make up the funding shortfall, primarily caused by Newport Beach spending 40% of the budget and only kicking in 15% of the needed revenue.  But slip, dry storage and launch ramp fees in Dana Point will not go up to fill this deficit.
     
  2. Outsourcing of non emergency on-ocean services (towing) appears likely.  Three Supervisors commented in support of industry representatives who voiced arguments in favor of private tow boat operators providing these services instead of the Harbor Patrol.  The primary argument was cost avoidance and lower cost of service.  What this will probably mean downstream is that boaters who don't have towing insurance (Vessel Assist) or towing coverage via their boat insurance policy and who are in a non-emergency situation, will no longer receive free towing from the Harbor Patrol.
 
We should add that by the end of the hour-and-a-half discussion, most of the five Supervisors seemed to have a new appreciation for the high value of  the Harbor Patrol.  That said, all involved, especially boaters, must continue to stay alert.  Your DPBA volunteers plan to stay closely engaged in the coming months to make sure that today's key learnings are not forgotten.
 
We should also add in fairness that the issues are surprisingly complex.  No doubt this was a factor in all those reports being put aside without action.  If you want to learn more or share your perspective then please give us a call or simply reply by email.
 
Your Board of Directors
Dana Point Boaters Association
 
 
Questions should be directed by email to ([email protected]).  Or call us at (949) 485-5656 and leave a voice mail and we'll get back to you soon.

Dana Point Boaters Association
P.O. Box 461
Dana Point, CA  92629
www.danapointboaters.org
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