They’re still the best views anywhere, but it will cost a bit more to park at town beaches starting next season.

The Board of Selectmen Monday evening approved a beach commission request to increase the yearly rate from $35 to $50, with senior passes rising from $15 to $25.

Commission chairman Sean Leach wasn’t present Monday, but said previously that the additional funds are needed to help make Westport more competitive in the local lifeguard market, and for maintenance and improvement projects.

“We didn’t want to do a five dollar increase every year for the next 10 years,” he explained.

Select board members agreed that while the increases are large percentage-wise, the overall impact on individuals is low.

“I generally do not like big fee increases even though they’re infrequent,” board chairman Richard Brewer said. “But there was discussion and it seemed to be needed. In terms of dollars ... I think it’s a bargain for our citizens to be able to use these beaches for this cost.”

Permits for the 2024 season should be available by the new year, the town manager said Monday. This year, residents will can do it themselves online.

Hartnett said the town is switching over to an online permitting system, and he hopes to have it in place by Monday, Jan. 1.