Port 2 prepares 2008 budget

Port District No. 2 of Wahkiakum County will act on its proposed 2008 budget when the commission meets next Monday, 4 p.m., at the Skamokawa United Methodist Church.

Port officials reviewed the draft budget when they met November 20 for the regular monthly meeting.

The budget totals $629,780. The district expects to start 2008 with $24,000 cash on hand and take in $55,000 in property taxes and $17,000 in forest excise taxes. It expects a grant of $319,500 from the state Recreation and Conservation Office for work at Svensen Park, and the port is trying to negotiate an $80,000 commercial loan to cover park construction expenses.

Revenue from Skamokawa Vista Park is expected to total $55,000 in hookup fees, $11,500 in other site fees, $13,500 in tent site fees and $17,000 in yurt rental fees. Revenue from leases and sale of dredged sand is expected to total $30,560.

Port Manager Steve McClain proposed slight increases in fees that would further increase revenues.