Port 2 workson 2009 budget

Commissioners and staff of Port District No. 2 of Wahkiakum County went over the proposed budget Tuesday evening and heard a proposal to add a marketing position to the workforce.

After Port Manager Steve McClain had explained the preliminary budget proposal, Commissioner Kayrene Gilbertsen proposed adding a 10-month position to market the port and assist McClain in related work, such as establishing a port-district website. She also suggested closing Skamokawa Vista Park during January and December as a cost-saving measure.

Commissioner Carlton Appelo said the proposal should be considered and discussed at the board’s November 18 meeting.

As presented, the port budget for 2009 totalled $659,573, down from $868,000 budget for 2008, with the decrease attributed to a decline on capital project expenses.

McClain projected a beginning cash balance of $145,000 and total revenues of $525,983 from taxes and grants and another $103,950 in operating fees and $20,000 from the sale of dredge spoil sand.

A contractor has started work on Svensen Park, Puget Island, but because it’s uncertain when the work will be billed, the expense is included in the 2009 budget as well as 2008, McClain said.

Gilbertsen said her proposal was an effort to get the port district into strategic planning.

With an additional park to maintain, McClain and the maintenance staff will be stretched for time, she said. The new position would work on a strategic plan, research grants, make a marketing plan and develop a website, review park buildings for a maintenance plan, man the office at least one day a week, and update job descriptions of port employees.

She proposed a figure of $10,000 for the position and said she had a woman with experience in planning and grant writing in mind for the job.