WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-Boat owners concerned about Covenant Cove Marina

Boat owners concerned about Covenant Cove Marina

By Barbara Czura – bio | email

GUNTERSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - We first brought you the story of a Guntersville Lodge and Marina being padlocked because the owner didn't pay his taxes.

After that story aired, we received several emails and calls from boat owners who rent from the marina wanting answers.

WAFF 48 News talked to several boat owners who have their boats stored at Covenant Cove Marina.  The boat owners are concerned about their property.  

The owners were initially told they couldn't have access to remove their boats, but we did some digging and found answers.

Although none of them agreed to talk to us on camera, the recent padlock order has several owners asking questions, like are their boats safe or can they have access to them?

WAFF 48 News talked to the business owner, Olen Crawford, who also declined an on-camera interview, but said boat owners can remove their boats at any time.  However, if they remove the boat, they can not bring them back until taxes are paid.

A new court order was filed at the Marshall County Courthouse.  That paperwork ordered the Marshall County Sheriff's Office to remove the padlock so the owner can have access to the marina, to release the boats to their owners if they want.

Owner Olen Crawford also tells WAFF 48 News, he and his wife Cendee have made arrangements to pay the taxes.  He says the reason they weren't paid, was because they could not come to an agreement with the state. 

Crawford hopes to have their businesses reopened by the Monday after Thanksgiving.

The court order also states that if the boat owners have problem getting access to their boats, they are asked to contact the Alabama Department of Revenue.

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