Eagle Harbor Liveaboards Win More Time as Mooring Rates Rise

A mother who takes her children to school by dinghy told the Bainbridge Island City Council that a marina slip with electricity, water, parking, and laundry would cost her family less than its new open-water mooring. After hearing from her and other Eagle Harbor residents on November 10, Council voted 6–0 to extend the City’s November 20 deadline for residents to say whether they plan to renew.

Residents of the Dave Ullin Open Water Marina described increases of roughly 30% due January 1. One retiree described the strain on a fixed income. Other liveaboards spoke about assisting boats in trouble, including during storms and vessel fires. The mother estimated that her household spends about $100 a month on diesel at this time of year for heat and power.

What the extension changes

City Manager John Mauro described November 20 as a requested response date. Existing agreements run through December 31. Council directed staff to notify residents of an extension while members consider the rates. The motion set no replacement response date and made no change to the January rates.

Councilmember Mike Nelson moved to “send out an extension of that deadline to the tenants to give us the opportunity to discuss this as a council.”

Councilmember Mike Nelson asked what it would cost the City to limit the increase to 10%. Councilmember Ashley Mathews said she had requested a future discussion. Several residents argued that state residential rent limits should apply to their moorings. Council made no determination on that legal question.

Deputy Mayor Kirsten Hytopoulos recalled advocating for affordability when the marina was established. “I tried to argue for us to make it affordable housing,” she said. Councilmember Ashley Mathews said she had urged liveaboards to attend, telling them, “Come speak to us at Council this evening, so that we can hear directly from you.”

Why the City’s costs matter

Mauro said state Department of Natural Resources charges rose from roughly $36,000 in 2024 to $62,000 in 2026. He offered to bring back the fee history and subsidy options. Councilmember Leslie Schneider asked whether the City could raise the issue with the state.

The City’s marina policy bases the standard rate on operating costs and gives priority for vacancies to qualifying residents at or below 60% of Kitsap County area median income. The low-income rate was held at its 2025 level for 2026. Under the policy, it moves to a 40% discount from the standard rate in 2027. The moored vessel must be the resident’s primary home.