AGENDA GUEMES ISLAND FERRY OPERATIONS PUBLIC FORUM

AGENDA GUEMES ISLAND FERRY OPERATIONS PUBLIC FORUM Wednesday, August 17, 211 6: p.m. Guemes Island Community Hall ~ 7549 Guemes Island Road Thank you for attending the second Annual Public Forum in 211. Skagit County Public Works welcomes the community to learn about and discuss agenda items. It would be greatly appreciated if everyone in attendance could fill out the sign-in sheet. Introductions Ron Wesen, Chairman Board of Skagit County Commissioners, District 1 Commissioner Glen Veal, Chairman, Committee Henry Hash, Director of Skagit County Public Works Rachel Beck, Ferry Operations Division Manager Mike Almvig, Information Services Manager Jeannie Brown, Administration Division Manager / Controller Jim Martin, Accounting Tech Items for Discussion 211 Draft Ferry Fare Revenue Target Report 211 Ridership Statistics 211 Annual Work Plan & Progress Report Items of Interest for the draft 212 Annual Work Plan Ferry Sailing Schedule Ferry Ticketing Updates and Timelines on Ferry-Related Projects Levels of Service Open Public Input Questions and Comments Other concerns or issues related to Operations Adjournment

SKAGIT COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Ferry Operations Division 211 Draft Fare Revenue Target Report August 211

Skagit County Public Works Department 211 Draft Ferry Fare Revenue Target Report The following draft report is prepared for submittal to the Skagit County Board of Commissioners pursuant to Skagit County Resolution R#215, which established the Ticket Fare Methodology. This report is the second such evaluation conducted since the enabling resolution was adopted on February 16 th, 21. Beginning January 1, 21, counties that operate ferries will be required to submit annual reports to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on a calendar-year basis instead of the State fiscal year ending June 3 th, 21. The Skagit County Public Works Department has reviewed the impact of this change in the WSDOT reporting timeline and has implemented Resolution R#215. The Ferry Fare Revenue Target Methodology provided for in Attachment B of Resolution R#215 is to utilize data from January 1 st to December 31 st of each evaluation period. The Ferry Fare Revenue Target is to be calculated as follows: The five (5) calendar year average of ferry operating and maintenance costs as computed in the prior annual deficit reimbursement reports submitted to the State. For purposes of this resolution, capital expenditures are not included in the ferry operating and maintenance costs and shall be defined as all capital expenditures defined in WAC 136-4-3 and other capital costs including financing and depreciation expenses applied to the replacement, expansion, or creation of ferry system physical elements, less the five (5) year average of the State Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax received by the County for operation and maintenance of the ferry system, less the five (5) year average of the State Ferry Deficit Reimbursement received by the County, the total of the above multiplied by 65%. TABLE 1 REVENUE TARGET CALCULATION FARE REVENUE TARGET METHODOLOGY: #R215 Fiscal Year 26 27 28 29 21 5 Year Ave Operation & Maintenance Expenditure $1,614,877 $1,77,599 $2,15,75 $1,699,39 $1,66,433 $1,759,394 Attributable State Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax ($16,39) ($131,625) ($132,236) ($125,527) ($12,161) ($123,172) WSDOT Ferry Deficit Reimbursement Payment ($289,739) ($15,419) ($211,328) ($74,164) ($19,856) ($167,11) Subtotal $1,218,829 $1,488,555 $1,762,186 $1,499,618 $1,376,416 $1,469,121 Fare Recovery Requirement 65% Ferry Fare Revenue Target $954,929 Table 1 states the ferry fare revenue target utilizing figures from 26 to 21. 2

Skagit County Public Works Department 211 Draft Ferry Fare Revenue Target Report As indicated in Table 2, the fare box revenue for the calendar year ending December 31 st, 21 was $853,219, a decrease of approximately $35,. from the previous calendar year s fare box revenue of $888,286. 211 projected fare box revenues reflect lost revenue attributable to the ferry being out of service for approximately 6 days due to dock rehabilitation work, during which time fares were not collected. TABLE 2 FARE BOX REVENUE 25 211 26 $ 788,59 27 $ 781,28 28 $ 827,225 29 $ 888,286 21 $ 853,219 211 Projected $ 79,658 212 Budgeted $ 971, Summarized in Table 3 is the shortfall from the revenue target that occurred from 25 to 21 utilizing a ferry fare revenue target of 65%. TABLE 3 SUMMARY REVENUE TARGET 25 26 27 28 29 21 Expenses $2,61,13 $1,614,877 $1,77,599 $2,15,75 $1,699,39 $1,66,433 Deficit Reimb/MVFT ($359,759) ($396,48) ($282,44) ($343,564) ($199,691) ($23,17) Subtotal $1,71,254 $1,218,829 $1,488,555 $1,762,186 $1,499,618 $1,376,416 Fare Recovery Requirement 65% 65% 65% 65% 65% 65% Ferry Fare Revenue Target $1,15,815 $792,239 $967,561 $1,145,421 $974,752 $894,67 Fare Box Revenue $476,491 $788,59 $781,28 $827,225 $888,286 $853,219 Shortfall From Rev Target $629,324 $3,73 $186,533 $318,196 $86,466 $41,451 3

Skagit County Public Works Department 211 Draft Ferry Fare Revenue Target Report Table 4 illustrates the amount of Road Fund dollars used to support the operation of the Guemes Island Ferry for the period of 26-21. As shown, the Road Fund will have spent just over $3,, for ferry operations by the end of 21. TABLE 4 ROAD FUND SUBSIDY 26 27 28 29 21 5 Year Total Expenses $1,614,877 $1,77,599 $2,15,75 $1,699,39 $1,66,433 $8,796,968 Deficit Reimb/MVFT ($396,48) ($282,44) ($343,564) ($199,691) ($23,17) ($1,451,364) Fare Box Revenue ($788,59) ($781,28) ($827,225) ($888,286) ($853,219) ($4,138,267) Road Fund Subsidy $43,32 $77,527 $934,961 $611,332 $523,197 $3,27,337 Table 5 shows projections for 212. The projected fare box revenue is $16,71 more than the ferry fare revenue target. Summary: TABLE 5 212 PROJECTIONS 212 Projected Ferry Fare Revenue Target $ 954,929 212 Budgeted Fare Box Revenue $ 971, Projected (Shortfall) / Surplus $ 16,71 21 was a relatively normal year for ferry ridership. Passenger counts were down approximately 1,6 (or 4%) and vehicles counts were down approximately 5,5 (or 3%) from 29 counts. Ferry fares in 21 did not meet the updated revenue target of $894,67 with a shortfall of $41,451.. In 211, due to the Ferry Dock Rehabilitation Project, projected fare box revenues are anticipated to be approximately $79, due to the fact that no fares were collected during this time. This loss of revenue equates to roughly $55, less than previous calendar years for the same months. To counteract this, expenses will also be down for the same time period due to 2 months less operating costs including the ferry crew s wages (charged to the federal project) during April and May, 211. Until 211 actual numbers can be calculated in the ferry fare revenue target, it is difficult to predict whether ferry fares will meet the revenue target for 211. A new ferry fare rate structure went into effect June 1, 211. Rates were increased across all fare categories and the new rates were established with the intention of allowing the fare box revenue to meet the 65% recovery target. Based on current fares, the projected 212 fare box revenue is anticipated to be approximately $971,. The ferry fare revenue target is $954,929 indicating a projected surplus of approximately $16,71. The ferry fare revenue target will be updated with the addition of 211 actual figures at year s end. This may change the ferry fare revenue target. 4

Skagit County Public Works Department 211 Draft Ferry Fare Revenue Target Report The Public Works Department continues to review additional cost control measures that would streamline the ferry operation while continuing to provide safe, reliable, and efficient service. Recommendations: As per Attachment A of Resolution 215, Public Works is expected to report annually to the Board during the month of September regarding operations. This report is to be included in the Operations Summary Report. The Public Works Department recommends adjusting the requirements for evaluation of this report and presentation to the Board of County Commissioners until April of the year following the evaluation period. This will provide adequate time for the full calendar year s worth of data to be compiled prior to making fare recommendations. Fare increases could then be implemented June 1 st (or at the Board s Discretion) each calendar year. This change in reporting requirements would assist the department in utilizing actual figures for revenues, expenses, and deficit reimbursement and motor vehicle fuel tax figures. Public Works is confident that should this report include the full calendar year s reporting cycle, it will present a more accurate picture of the revenue target and the effects of cost control measures implemented during the year prior. With this in mind, Public Works is not recommending a fare increase to take effect January 1 st, 212. 5

Revenue Comparison January thru July, 21 January thru July, 211 (Excluding April and May during Dock Project when no fares were collected in 211) Revenue 21 211 % Change January $ 6,57.9 $ 62,654. 3.55% February $ 53,9.8 $ 53,99.7 1.85% March $ 63,83. $ 75,493.3 19.67% June $ 83,89.9 $ 76,565.9 8.73% July $ 16,727. $ 13,241. 3.27% Total $ 367,218.6 $ 371,944.9 1.29% Revenue Trends January thru July, 21 January thru July, 211 $12,. $1,. $8,. $6,. $4,. 21 211 $2,. $. January February March April May June July DRAFt Informational for the Ferry Operations Status Report

DRAFt Informational for the Ferry Operations Status Report

Passenger & Vehicle Ridership Summaries 21 211 Ridership VEHICLES 2, 18, 16, 14, 12, 1, 8, 6, 4, 2, January February March April May June July PASSENGERS August September October November December 21 211 45, 4, 35, 3, 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, January February March April May June July August September October November December * All ridership numbers based on United States Coast Guard counts. 21 211 Informational for Ferry Operations Summary Report

Ridership Comparison January thru July, 21 January thru July, 211 (Excluding April and May during Dock Project when ferry was out of service in 211) VEHICLES Vehicles 21 211 21 211 % Change January 13,971 13,241 5.23% February 12,82 12,37 5.98% March 14,699 14,48 4.43% June 16,529 15,885 3.9% July 19,569 18,92 7.55% Total 77,57 73,33 5.5% PASSENGERS Passengers 21 211 21 211 % Change January 27,5 25,123 6.97% February 25,287 22,625 1.53% March 28,616 29,1 1.69% June 34,54 32,838 3.57% July 42,968 41,778 2.77% Total 157,93 151,464 4.9% Informational for Ferry Operations Status Report

January Vehicles June Vehicles 18, 16, 14, 12, 1, 8, 6, 4, 2, 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 February Vehicles July Vehicles 16, 14, 12, 1, 8, 6, 4, 2, 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 March Vehicles 18, 16, 14, 12, 1, 8, 6, 4, 2, 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, 21222324252627282921211 Informational for Ferry Operations Status Report 211

January Passengers June Passengers 3, 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 3, 29, 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 February Passengers July Passengers 3, 25, 2, 15, 1, 5, 48, 46, 44, 42, 4, 38, 36, 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 34, 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 33, 32, 31, 3, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, March Passengers 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 Informational for Ferry Operations Status Report 211

TOTAL VEHICLE RIDERSHIP JANUARY 21 JULY 211 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 January 16,2 15,689 15,767 14,99 11,575 12,177 14,74 15,45 14,22 13,971 13,241 February 14,444 14,95 14,97 15,64 14,63 12,289 13,511 14,69 12,968 12,82 12,37 March 17,16 17,722 16,329 17,761 11,839 14,458 16,245 16,422 15,34 14,699 14,48 April 17,879 18,41 17,436 18,651 12,497 15,725 17,734 16,464 1,794 15,639 May 2,1 2,471 19,321 19,146 17,371 17,21 12,738 1,421 17,381 16,763 5,1 June 12,188 2,657 19,41 19,779 18,429 17,354 18,625 17,118 17,372 16,529 15,885 July 21,354 22,97 13,643 21,845 2,789 19,853 2,579 19,57 19,63 19,569 18,92 August 23,264 23,421 21,737 19,54 2,997 2,292 19,714 19,768 19,142 19,349 September 19,187 19,573 18,115 18,641 7,456 17,867 17,949 17,221 17,128 17,72 October 19,244 18,91 18,293 15,753 17,126 17,293 16,823 16,26 7,636 November 17,736 15,681 16,944 1,575 11,857 14,87 15,76 14,956 14,413 14,2 December 18,165 16,516 16,83 13,579 15,36 16,494 15,275 12,884 14,78 14,72 Total 216,579 224,484 28,723 25,864 162,773 195,526 199,497 191,643 188,852 183,399 78,313 25, Total Vehicles by Month 2, 15, 1, 5, 21 22 23 24 25 26 Informational for Ferry Operations Status Report January February March April May June *All ridership data based on United States Coast Guard counts. July August September October November December 27 28 29 21 211

TOTAL PASSENGER RIDERSHIP JANUARY 21 JULY 211 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 21 211 January 26,981 27,855 26,312 26,545 24,117 24,448 27,348 29,183 27,793 27,5 25,123 February 23,888 26,289 24,468 21,517 25,983 23,716 27,22 28,41 25,588 25,287 22,625 March 3,421 3,665 27,657 32,41 27,89 28,83 32,67 32,837 29,56 28,616 29,1 April 31,38 31,131 29,36 35,3 28,88 3,962 34,82 32,29 3,727 29,14 21,256 May 36,861 35,757 34,65 35,971 34,7 34,345 35,957 34,785 35,332 33,597 24,483 June 34,397 36,958 35,11 38,182 36,77 35,189 38,727 38,283 36,583 34,54 32,838 July 44,917 43,583 38,683 43,552 45,673 45,1 45,963 46,21 45,44 42,968 41,778 August 47,933 46,79 44,3 41,791 44,425 47,966 45,63 46,285 42,773 42,251 September 36,382 35,654 35,992 36,26 31,39 38,271 39,294 36,742 34,745 35,63 October 32,139 31,782 34,214 31,155 24,493 34,195 34,735 33,783 32,173 27,341 November 3,2 25,424 3,94 26,337 27,525 29,194 33,793 3,317 27,328 26,897 December 31,257 26,321 3,44 28,4 29,517 32,94 3,917 25,44 28,239 27,694 Total 46,558 398,128 391,721 396,727 379,464 44,193 426,426 414,79 396,191 38,417 197,23 Total Passengers by Month 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 21 22 23 24 25 Informational Only For Ferry Operations Status Report 1, January February March April May June July August *All ridership data based on United States Coast Guard counts. September October November December 26 27 28 29 21 211 211

211 Ferry Operations Work Plan Skagit County Public Works intends to gather public advisory input on the Operations 211 Work Plan. As set forth in Resolution R215, Attachment A, any interested organization or citizen at large may provide input through the Public Forum process. 211 Work Program Topics of Interest A. Level of Service Standards Develop Level of Service (LOS) standards for the. In this endeavor, consider the process for establishing LOS standards, which may include studying what other ferry systems are doing. Establish a series of performance measures for the Operations which reflect the level of service desired for providing ferry service between Anacortes and Guemes Island. The Level of Service Standards should take into consideration seasonal demand, time of day/week demand, demand management, ridership, capacity, wait times, congestion, sailing schedules, reliability, the cost of providing the service, cost containment parameters, and staffing needs. The LOS Standards should be data driven, focus on asset utilization, and help inform management of strategic investment decisions. The LOS Standards should focus on peaks and valleys in ridership and also how to best fit the service to the overall demand and fill up the spaces outside the peaks. Present to the Board of County Commissioners by Fall, 211. B. Ferry Schedule Review the current ferry schedule and operating practices for the purposes of determining the need to expand the number of runs during high demand times of the year as well as the need for establishing different summer and winter schedules considering seasonal demands and staffing considerations to meet demand management needs. Inform the Board of County Commissioners of findings by June 1, 211. C. Ferry Ticketing Develop a ticket structure that will deliver the appropriate fare recovery for Skagit County in 211, considering it will be out of service and not collecting revenues for two months. Present to the Board of County Commissioners by March 31, 211. Evaluate any ticket selling methods, which include, but may not limited to: mail in punch card order forms, online ticket sales, and a ticket dispensing kiosk. 1

D. Fare Recovery Model Review the entire current and projected cost of the ferry operation together with the current fare recovery model for the purposes of determining the equitability of the current model and ridership financial support to Skagit County. Report findings to the Board of County Commissioners Spring of 212. Adjust reporting requirements for BCC Presentation of the Ferry Fare Revenue Target Report so that a full year s worth of data may be compiled prior to presentation. For review by the Board of County Commissioners by Fall, 211. Continue to provide the public with ferry operating costs in the format used in the old Deficit Reimbursement Report and ensure that all costs are being accurately reflected as to the type and cost being incurred. Reconstruct the data base for 29 through 21. Complete and distribute reports by April 3, 211. E. ADA Accessibility during the Annual Ferry Outages Continue to review federal and state ADA standards so that appropriate accommodations may be made available during ferry outages. * Note: It is anticipated that the Public Works Department may incorporate citizen advisory input from the Committee, other interested organizations or citizens at large, and that the County may meet with these parties throughout the year to gather information on specific topics incorporated within the Annual Ferry Fare Target Revenue Report and the Annual Work Plan. 2

212 Draft Operations Work Plan Skagit County Public Works intends to gather public advisory input on the Draft Operations 212 Work Plan. As set forth in Resolution R215, Attachment A, any interested organization or citizen at large may provide input through the Public Forum process. 212 Work Program Topics of Interest A. Level of Service Standards Develop Level of Service (LOS) standards for the. In this endeavor, consider the process for establishing LOS standards, which may include studying what other ferry systems are doing. Establish a series of performance measures for the Operations which reflect the level of service desired for providing ferry service between Anacortes and Guemes Island. The Level of Service Standards should take into consideration seasonal demand, time of day/week demand, demand management, ridership, capacity, wait times, congestion, sailing schedules, reliability, the cost of providing the service, cost containment parameters, and staffing needs. The LOS Standards should be data driven, focus on asset utilization, and help inform management of strategic investment decisions. The LOS Standards should focus on peaks and valleys in ridership and also how to best fit the service to the overall demand and fill up the spaces outside the peaks. Present to the Board of County Commissioners by May, 212. B. Ferry Schedule Review the current ferry schedule and operating practices for the purposes of determining the need to expand the number of runs during high demand times of the year as well as the need for establishing different summer and winter schedules considering seasonal demands and staffing considerations to meet demand management needs. Inform the Board of County Commissioners of findings by May 1, 212. C. Ferry Ticketing Develop a ticket structure that will deliver the appropriate fare recovery for Skagit County in 213. Present fare recommendations to the Board of Skagit County Commissioners by May 1, 212. Continue to review fare categories for the purposes of determining whether the appropriate ticketing structure is in place. This will be an ongoing analogy of the ticketing system, which may include the review of ticket selling whether automated, online, or at the ferry terminal. 1

212 Draft Operations Work Plan Skagit County Public Works intends to gather public advisory input on the Draft Operations 212 Work Plan. As set forth in Resolution R215, Attachment A, any interested organization or citizen at large may provide input through the Public Forum process. 212 Work Program Topics of Interest D. Fare Recovery Model Review the entire current fare methodology for the purposes of determining whether improvements can be made to the current model, such as handling shortfalls and/or surpluses in any given year. Report findings to the Board of County Commissioners by May 1, 212. Continue to provide the public with ferry operating costs in the format used in the old Deficit Reimbursement Report. Complete and distribute 211 reports by April 3, 212. E. ADA Accessibility during the Annual Ferry Outages Continue to review federal and state ADA standards so that appropriate accommodations may be made available during ferry outages. Note: It is anticipated that the Public Works Department may incorporate citizen advisory input from the Committee, other interested organizations or citizens at large, and that the County may meet with these parties throughout the year to gather information on specific topics incorporated within the Annual Ferry Fare Target Revenue Report and the Annual Work Plan. To submit comments or suggestions for the 212 Draft Ferry Operations Work Plan or on any and all issues and concerns relative to Operations, please contact Rachel Beck by email at rachelb@co.skagit.wa.us, or by phone at (36) 419 7618, or by mail at 18 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273. 2

Non-Peak Sailing Schedule September 1 to May 2 Anacortes Departure Times Ferry departs Guemes approximately 8 minutes after the listed times. Crossing time approximately 5 minutes. Round-trip time approximately 2-25 minutes Mon Thurs Friday Saturday Sunday 6:3 AM 6:3 AM 6:3 AM 7: AM 7: AM 7: AM 7:3 AM 7:3 AM 8: AM 8: AM 8: AM 8: AM 8:3 AM 8:3 AM 8:3 AM 9:15 AM * 9:15 AM 9: AM 9: AM 9:45 AM 9:45 AM 1:15 AM 1:15 AM 1: AM 1: AM 1:45 AM 1:45 AM 1:45 AM 1:45 AM 11:15 AM 11:15 AM 11:15 AM 11:15 AM 1: PM 1: PM 1: PM 1: PM 1:3 PM 1:3 PM 1:3 PM 1:3 PM 2: PM * 2: PM 2: PM 2: PM 2:3 PM 2:3 PM 2:3 PM 2:45 PM 3:15 PM 3:15 PM 3:15 PM 3:3 PM 4: PM 4: PM 4: PM 4: PM 4:3 PM 4:3 PM 4:3 PM 5: PM 5: PM 5: PM 5: PM 5:3 PM 5:3 PM 5:45 PM 6: PM 6: PM 6: PM 6:3 PM 6:3 PM 6:3 PM 7: PM 7: PM 7: PM 7:45 PM 7:3 PM 8:15 PM 8:15 PM 8: PM 8:3 PM 9: PM 9: PM 1: PM 1: PM 11: PM 11: PM * Wednesday 9:15 am to Guemes and 2: pm from Guemes are hazardous materials runs only. No other passengers or vehicles may travel on these runs. Ferry may make extra trips when overloaded except at 5:45pm, 6:3pm, 7pm, 8pm, 8:3pm, or 11pm. When New Year s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas falls on a Sunday through Thursday, service will be provided on the Saturday schedule, ending at 1 pm. Schedule Subject to Change without Notice 211 For review & Comment