Marine Board to Discuss 2015-2017 Budget with Recreational Boaters in Coos Bay, June 12, 2014

Boaters are invited to join the Oregon State Marine Board agency staff during a series of statewide town hall meetings to gather public input on the agency’s proposed 2015-2017 Budget.  Three more meetings are scheduled including Coos Bay the coming weeks, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the following locations:  • June 12, in Coos Bay, at the Charleston Marina Complex, RV Park Recreation Room, 63402 Kingfisher Rd.; • June 16, in Medford, at the City of Medford, Medford Room, 411 West 8th St.; • June 23, in Bend, at the Central Oregon Community College, Boyle Education Center, Room 155.  The proposed 2015-2017 budget includes a fee increase to existing programs and motorboat registrations, in addition to agency streamlining measures and cuts.  The last fee increase to registered motor boat owners was in 2003.  “We’d like to hear from boaters about our proposed budget, and new ideas are welcomed,” says Director Scott Brewen.  “Once we gather more input, we’ll present the options to the Marine Board at the June meeting.”  The Marine Board will meet in Prineville, on June 24 and 25.   Once the budget is approved by the Board, it will be submitted to the Governor’s office for consideration, and then the 2015 Oregon Legislature.  For more information about the meeting schedule, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/Pages/admin/members.aspx.