City officials plan to encourage residents and visitors to download an app to pay their launch fees next year. The city is considering allowing people to download the Viply or Parkmobile app to pay their launch costs.

The city is currently contracting with Viply for people to pay for their beach passes and Parkmobile for people to pay for parking downtown.

Members of the municipal piers, harbors and lakeside committee discussed the issue on November 9.

Harbor master Steve Russell said that while he plans to contract with an enforcement service to have people pay their launch fees next year, he still plans to allow people to pay these fees in cash in 2022 to give people more time to get used to the idea of ​​paying with an app.

“I think we have to raise awareness of what is out there,” Russell said.

Alderman Ken Howell said the city should allow people to continue paying their launch fees in cash in case they have difficulty downloading the app.

“I’m old enough to worry about the cashless thing and if it’s going to cause any problems, but I’m ready to give it a try,” Howell said. “Do we have a back-up plan if things start to go wrong right away?” “

City aldermen are also debating whether to remove cash payments for Riviera Beach passes.

Members of the city council’s finance, licensing and regulation committee on Oct. 19 approved to keep beach rates at $ 8 for children and adults in 2022 and not allow people to pay their fees. pass only with a credit card or by downloading an app.

The point has yet to be approved by the entire city council.

Alderman Shari Straube said people should still be allowed to pay for their beach passes in cash as they might not be comfortable bringing their cell phones to the beach.

“Personally, I would never want to take my phone to the beach,” Straube said. “My phone is too precious.”

Alderman Tim Dunn said he also believes some people may not be willing to bring their cellphones to the beach and the city should maintain a cash payment option.

“I wouldn’t want to pick up my cell phone,” Dunn said. “There is sand and water, not to mention someone can steal it.”

Russell said people still have the option of purchasing a seasonal beach pass or that the city could implement a punch card pass system, which allows people to prepay for a pass. number of visits to the beach.

“Then you would have four methods: Viply, seasonal passes for residents, seasonal passes for non-residents, or a punch card for up to 10 visits,” Russell said.

Members of the Piers, Harbors and Lakeside Committee are expected to discuss payment options for the beach and launching fees again at their December 14 meeting.