Ore. Marine Board wants to hear from boaters in Bend

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.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, on June 23, in Bend, at the Central Oregon Community College, Boyle Education Center, in 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.