Fiscal Responsibility
The Harbor District now pays interest on $10 million in debt. But recently, the Commission unanimously approved preliminary spending in expectation of borrowing even more. I'm not convinced that new debt is necessary. Instead, we should focus the District's spending on its core mission and do more to support local businesses.
Brennan is quick with new ideas...her fiscal conservatism is refreshing from someone so focused on environmental stewardship. - The Daily Journal
Most local governments incur debt by placing a bond issue on the ballot. Voters must approve those measures by a 2/3 majority. That's not what the Harbor Commission does though. It borrows money from California's Department of Boating and Waterways. No voter approval necessary!
The Harbor District now pays interest on $10 million in debt. But at its August 15, 2012 meeting, the Commission unanimously approved preliminary spending in expectation of more borrowing. They're talking as much as $25 million in additional debt!
So where does all this money go? Costly engineering plans have been funded repeatedly for projects that lack public support. Very few of these expensive plans are implemented. One plan is to fill and pave Perched Beach at Pillar Point. At a cost of 3.1 million dollars, this popular sandy beach would become an asphalt parking lot. The project would require a Coastal Development Permit, but the Coastal Act has strong policies to protect beaches and wetlands. I'm confident that the Harbor Commission would not win approval. If it did, community backlash would be fierce. But the Harbor District has already spent $309,000 on this plan alone. Why?
Proposed site of new $3.1 million parking lot
Meanwhile basic repairs and maintenance are neglected until facilities are rundown and unsafe. Johnson Pier currently needs repairs and Romeo pier is so dangerous it’s been condemned.
At the August 1, 2012 meeting, for example, the Commissioners voted unanimously to scrap a $16,000 surveillance system purchased in 2004. They had failed to maintain the system for years and decided to give up on it. They did this despite a series of recent crimes, including claims of sabotage when a crab boat sank in the harbor.
Most investments have a financial return that results in a netpositive outcome. The return on some investments is not strictly monetary, as in education or environmental protection. I'm not convinced that the Districts current spending plans qualify by either measure. I think we should be careful to incur debt only when necessary, and we should focus spending on the Harbor District's core mission, not pet projects.
