The Town of Huntington is considering a new $40 dollar seasonal mooring fee for residents.

According to Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, the permit money generated from approximately 2,000 boats was originally intended to help balance the town's budget. But he says that's "just a money grab."

Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci says the money collected will be used for the expensive disposal of abandoned boats and creating a database of boat owners in the town. But some boaters say the permit plan was rushed and, if passed, could be implemented in the middle of boating season.

Remy D'Esposito says he's not a fan of paying for a new permit to moor his sailboat just offshore, especially when it was previously free. He says if the fee is approved and keeps going up, it could price out lower- and middle-class residents.

And some boaters are also concerned that the enforcement of the new mooring permits could take away from needed marine safety.

The Town of Huntington could debate and vote on the proposal at a meeting later this month.