Soon that trip to the beach or a family outing on Martin County waterways could cost a little extra.

In an effort to plug gaps in budget shortfalls, Martin County officials are considering charging parking fees at beaches and boat ramps for the first time.

Martin County Parks and Recreation staff is working to determine how much money could be collected from boat trailer parking at 10 county parks and for parking at 12 county-managed beach accesses.

Parks and Recreation Director Richard Blankenship said the department is studying whether the fees would pay for the cost of collecting them. Staff members are also looking at collection methods; cost of collection equipment and their installation, maintenance and replacement; enforcement; and gross revenues anticipated.

According to the plan, any extra money the fees earn will fund equipment replacement and restore beach and boat ramp services such as keeping restrooms open and having trash picked up. (more…)