HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2026-001 Port & Harbor TariffSponsored by: Sorensen
Public Hearing: January 12, 2026
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2026-001
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA,
APPROVING THE 2026 CITY OF SEWARD PORT & HARBOR TARIFF
REGULATIONS
WHEREAS, the City of Seward' s enterprise funds are operated in a manner similar to private
business entities, in that they establish charges intended to cover the full cost of providing services
(including direct and indirect costs) for operations and maintenance, overhead, system expansion
and charges for the use of capital facilities; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2009-116 was passed on November 9, 2009, and provided for automatic
annual adjustments to moorage and dockage rates by an amount equal to the five previous full
years' average increase in the Anchorage consumer price index for all urban customers; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2016-031, recommends that the wharfage rates be automatically
increased biennially starting in 2018 by an amount equal to the five previous full years' average
increase in the Anchorage Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers; and
WHEREAS, between 2020 and 2024 the Anchorage Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 15.6%
producing the average CPI of 3.12% which will be the amount by which moorage, dockage and
wharfage rates will be increased for 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Maritime Commission requires harbors to annually submit a copy of the
tariff; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is the independent federal agency
responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S.
exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SEWARD, ALASKA:
Section 1. The rates incorporated herein and attached hereto as the "Port & Harbor Tariff
Regulations" are effective January 1, 2026, until December 31, 2026.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, THIS
12TH DAY OF JANUARY 2026.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2026-001
Page 2 of 2
Sue McClure, Mayor
AYES: Warner, Draper, Barnwell, Calhoon, Crites, Osenga, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: January 12, 2026
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
From: Tony Sieminski, Harbormaster
Subject: Resolution 2026-001: Approving the 2026 City of Seward Port & Harbor
Tariff Regulations
Background and justification:
The City of Seward' s enterprise funds are operated in a manner similar to private business entities,
in that they establish charges intended to cover the full cost of providing services (including direct
and indirect costs) for operations and maintenance, overhead, system expansion and charges for
the use of capital facilities. Equitable rates provide for the operating and capital needs of the
Harbor and SMIC while simultaneously attracting commerce to Seward and business providing
support services in the maritime trades.
Resolution 2009-116 was passed on November 9, 2009, and provided for automatic annual
adjustments to moorage and dockage rates by an amount equal to the five previous full years'
average increase in the Anchorage consumer price index for all urban customers.
Resolution 2016-31 was passed on April 25, 2016, amending the Wharfage rate within the Tariff
and providing automatic biennial adjustments to those rates by an amount equal to the five
previous full years' average increase in the Anchorage Consumer Price Index for all urban
consumers.
The Harbor annually provides a copy of the Tariff to the Federal Maritime Commission. The
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is the independent federal agency responsible for regulating
the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and
the U.S. consumer. This resolution recognizes the 2026 Port and Harbor Tariff Regulations.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: 3.5.1 Maintain a thriving Port and Harbor
Strategic Plan: Economic base
Other:
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $ 0
This legislation (✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s):
Not budgeted
Not applicable
$ Rates are included in 2025/2026 Operating Budget
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
X
X
Available Fund Balance
SMIC
Parking
Other
Electric
Water
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Finance Director Signature:
X
Yes
Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
Attorney Review
Administration Recommendation
X
Adopt Resolution
Other: