A potential snag has developed with the plan to keep the fast ferry afloat next year. Mayor-elect Bob Duffy is asking city council to postpone its vote Tuesday to authorize additional borrowing for the boat. Duffy says the decision to take on added debt should be left to the incoming city council, the new ferry board and his new administration and it's not in the taxpayers' best interest to take a vote so crucial to the city at what he calls the eleventh hour.
Mayor Johnson submitted what's called a statement of necessity to city council members. It asks them to authorize an increase in the maximum indebtedness of the Rochester Ferry Company by $11.5 million in new borrowing. The city of Rochester, which created the ferry company, would back the new debt. A city council committee approved the mayor’s request last week.
Council president Lois Giess says she wants to talk first with colleagues on city council about the request, as well as with members of the ferry company board. “On Tuesday night, it does require a specific action because it is on the agenda. And if the council elects to send it back to committee and table it, it means it dies as of December 31st. It would have to be re-introduced after January 1st.”
Giess also wants a formal request from mayor-elect Duffy saying she needs to see his concerns in writing.
City councilman and ferry board president Ben Douglas says Duffy's request could sink the success of the ferry's 2006 season. “Well, I think the timing is unfortunate because a delay in this project really puts it in jeopardy. There are contracts on the table ready to sign. We have expenses to pay. We have a relationship with Bay Ferries we need to honor. “A lot of things are lined up and ready to go and governed by a business cycle that we cannot change.”
Just last week, Duffy said he supports a 2006 season for the ferry and an aggressive new marketing plan was just announced. “Well, the consequences that I've been told through Ben were more on the public relations end. The financial end should not be impacted for the delay. And I just feel very strongly as the incoming mayor to be part of this decision, as does the new city council members and again, the new members to the ferry board,” said Duffy.
Giess says the new cash infusion technically is not bonding so they only need five votes to pass it, and they have at least five votes right now on this city council.
The city missed the boat last year because of delays. Ben Douglas says the city cannot afford to make that mistake again.
