Port Richey council wrangles over waterway fee

PORT RICHEY -- City Council member Phil Abts said Tuesday evening that Vice Mayor Mark Hashim's proposed waterway utilization tax could "destroy" the city.

Under Hashim's proposal, floated at a council meeting last month, passengers would pay a $7.50 city tax to board the sightseeing and casino boats in Port Richey. The revenue would go toward redeveloping the waterfront, buying city amenities and upgrading the commercial boats.

A divided council voted last month to move forward with the idea. After more discussion Tuesday evening, the council deadlocked 2-2 over whether City Attorney Michael Brannigan should draft an ordinance for the council to vote on in January.

Hashim was absent from Tuesday's meeting. Even so, Abts gave a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation that detailed reasons why the tax should not be implemented.

During the presentation, a crowd of about 25 people, including some who owned sightseeting boats, sat quietly as Abts urged residents not to support Hashim's idea. Abts said the added cost in these tough economic times would discourage residents and visitors from going out on the casino or sightseeing boats.

Ray Kelly, who owns the sightseeing boat Miss Daisy, agreed with Abts.

"If you pass this tax, I am outta here," he told the council. "If you do it, I'm gone."

Camille C. Spencer, Times Staff Writer

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