At their Monday meeting, the Edgartown select board quelled concerns of Chappaquiddick residents relayed by Chappy steering committee member John Dropick, regarding rumors of increasing boat fares stemming from a possible transfer of ownership of the ferry boats.
A small group of seasonal Chappy residents are seeking to take over the operations, despite some year-rounders hoping the business will cease to be privatized, with the town of Edgartown to make moves to obtain ownership.
“There’s been a lot of inquiry from Chappaquiddick residents seeking information,” said Dropick, “and there’s a certain anxiety about runaway fares that might occur if Peter Wells gets out of the operation.”
Wells purchased the business from prior owner Roy Hayes in January 2008, and is currently co-owner with Sally Snipes. Wells could not immediately be reached for comment.
The possibility of a change of ownership has triggered Chappaquiddick residents to question whether the fares will remain the same. Currently, round-trip tickets for a passenger are $4; a passenger in a vehicle pays $13. Dropick said fare hikes would not just impact Chappy residents, but have “a big effect on everyone.”
In hopes of allaying the fears of Chappy residents, select board member Arthur Smadbeck noted, “The fares on Chappy ferry cannot be runaway, as they are regulated by the board of selectmen. Any changes in the fares have to be agreed to by the board.” Smadbeck asked Dropick to inform Chappy residents that boat fares cannot be raised without approval of the board, which “[the board has] never done.”
Town administrator James Hagerty said the Chappy Ferry lease “hasn’t changed hands in well over a decade,” but in the event of an ownership change, he would need to “go through the process in terms of the parameters,” in addition to making sure the town is adequately informed of guidelines and requirements. It would be a “serious transaction that would occur,” he said.
Despite outside interest the last time it was up for renewal, the contract was automatically awarded to Peter Wells. Another example of the lack of transparency with the Select Board. And Arthur – newsflash – you are not the Board of Selectmen, you are the Selectboard. This is what happens when the three select board members have sat in their seats for a combined 65 years.
They’re obviously doing something right for the people to keep electing them. Best run town on the island.
Hopefully the Selectboard will step in early in the process and review the purchase price before any transfer. Last time the previous owner left with pockets bulging and the current owner sweating making the Bank it’s profit. Do we even have to ask if the Selectboard has ever reviewed the Ferry’s books? I’m afraid so, as there is no indication they have….unless you count the current “Steering committee” Chairman’s pre-purchase conversation with an accountant.
The select board has reviewed one of the sets of books.
The ferry uses a dual entry book keeping system.
What is a dual entry book keeping system? Sounds complicated.
Perhaps the residents of Chappy can defer to the piping plover as to how best solve this dilemma. Maybe the elite can forgo the ferry so all “those” people can’t come and enjoy the beaches and fishing. After all, the less people driving on the land that “those”people pay taxes to upkeep the better it is for us elitist residents of Chappy.
The piping plovers enjoy the camaraderie of beach fishing.
The roar of the rigs.
Rowing your own row boat still free, right? Wear a life jacket…
The rowing is free.
The boat, two boat slips and the lifejacket are not.
I think the price is kind of steep to take a bike over to Chappy and back.
Then you have to fork out $5 if you want to set foot on the Cape Poge beach owned by the Trustees.
And, I guess, another fiver if you want to bike over to Wasque and take a look at that.
Point of information, Smadbeck. Town can only regulate the CASH price which is more than double what (year round) residents pay. Please know what you are talking about before attempting to “allay fears.”
James Hagerty told me in a phone conversation this spring that the town would never even consider purchasing the ferry. So I suppose they have made up their minds on that already as well.
Once again, legitimate concerns from Chappy residents are ignored.