Cordova officials are mulling whether or not they should privatize the city’s T-Dock, in the latest effort to brainstorm different revenue sources for the municipality.
The discussion came after Camtu’s Alaska Wild Seafoods – a local fish processor and distributor – submitted a letter of interest to buy the dock from the city for $1 million. Constructed in 1988, the 300-foot-long dock has been used by various large vessels – including even the Coast Guard – for loading, unloading, and mooring.
“At this time, we are actively exploring several options for the development of a private dock facility to support our operations, and we would like to include the T-Dock as a potential opportunity for consideration,” Camtu’s leadership wrote in their letter of interest.
Camtu’s has been using the T-Dock as a way to receive raw fish for its processing facility, according to the city.
During a City Council meeting earlier this month, members were split on doing business with the processor.
“I think that privatizing it might be a good way to save on some funds,” Council Member Wendy Ranney said during the Oct. 1 council meeting. “I think that this can only benefit us financially.”
She made the comments after the council’s budget work session, where city staff outlined major budget deficits in the General Fund.
Similarly, Council Member Mike Mickelson said he was “in support of the proposers,” although he recognized that the council would have to consider a new pathway for smaller processors who currently have access to the T-Dock.
But other council members were skeptical about privatizing it.
Council Member Dave Zastrow said he has major concerns with permanently giving up the dock.
“Although the petitioner is saying that they would allow for other uses, they don’t have to,” he said. “And that’s a huge concern for me. I’m struggling with this going out of city hands and into private hands for all those reasons.”
Council Member Cathy Sherman agreed that the city could use the revenue dollars, but suggested leasing the dock instead instead of selling it – to keep it as city property while still trying to accommodate Camtu’s request.
Council Member Kasey Kinsman didn’t offer his full support or opposition for the proposal, but once again warned the council about nixing proposals that would bring in money for the city.
“We have a business who wants to help offset some of your taxes by doing business in the community and bringing more business into our community, and so by perpetually saying ‘no’ to that you are then saying ‘yes’ to more tax,” he said. “It’s not a direct one-to-one, but the revenue has to come from somewhere.”
The council is expected to continue discussing Camtu’s interest in the T-Dock at the Oct. 15 meeting. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Cordova Center.
