[C320-list] State proposes hiking boat fees (Maryland)

[Warren Updike]

OK, I've checked with the sponsor of HB 1307 raising the boat registration fees in MD. The fees I previously stated:
(II) VESSEL 16 FEET TO LESS THAN 32 FEET IN 31 LENGTH	$75
(III) VESSEL 32 FEET TO LESS THAN 45 FEET IN 33 LENGTH $125 

are the phase-in fees that again double in Oct 2014, so it looks like c320 in Md will be paying $250 every two years. 

This is the result of loss of revenue in excise fees from the manufacture of boats in MD, and the reduction in Coast Guard budgets for dredging and maintenance of aids to navigation.  How they arrived at the rates I don't know; but, I'd be money that they need half of that and hoped that by going in on the high side they'd end up with close to what they want.  My point: eventually, the excise tax revenues will return, the CG budget will be restored, and MD will have about $10 million more in revenue forever.

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"