Steamship Authority Rate Increases

This past October the Steamship Authority Board voted a rate increase for January 1st 2015. This rate increase was voted to cover anticipated shortfalls in the current fiscal year budget. Included was a budget increase in the Fuel oil budget line item of 2.5%. The Authority budgeted nearly $10 million dollars for the current fiscal year for fuel. The fuel and oil markets have declined by roughly 50% since summer. This is now creating a multi million dollar surplus and thus should be reason enough to suspend and or repeal the current rate increase. By signing this petition you are sending a message to the Martha's Vineyard Steamship Authority Representative and other Island elected officials that you support a repeal and or suspension of these rate increases.