Port 1 preparing for 2010

Managers of Port District No. 1 expect solid revenue for operations and facility expansion of the Elochoman Slough Marina in 2010.

Port Commissioners LeRoy Burns, Larry Bonds and Brett Deaton adopted their 2010 budget at their October meeting. Their capital improvement plan includes expanding F Dock by 135 feet and, if grant funding is approved, adding more cabins to the three already existing at the marina.

Manager Jackie Lea and Assistant Manager Abe York reported the dock project will cost $58,000, and extending electricity will cost another $2,300.

The port also plans to install more electrical connections in the recreational vehicle park to accommodate more vehicles, and commissioners have authorized Lea to begin the permit application process for dredging of the marina channel and entrance.

Overall, the 2010 budget totals $781,975, down from the $1 million budget for 2009.

The port expects to enter the year with a cash reserve of $320,950. It expects to collect $56,000 in real and personal property tax. Other expected large revenues include tent camping, $22,000; overnight moorage, $26,000; annual moorage, $25,000; monthly moorage, $52,000; electricity, $15,000; launch fees, $12,000; launch permits, $9,000; cabin rental, $44,000; yurt rental, $15,000; RV camping $16,000, mini and trailer storage, $17,500, and fuel sales, $110,000.

Major expenses include manager, $45,000; assistant manager, $27,500; part time help, $10,000; housekeeping, $14,000; cabin operating expense, $20,000; yurt operating expense, $7,000; electricity, $20,000, and gas and diesel, $110,000.

Commissioners Bonds and Deaton voted to increase the port's levy by 1 percent; Commissioner Burns abstained.

The port commissioners also approve some rate increases for 2010.

The rate for monthly transient moorage increase by $5, to $125 for boats 20 feet long and shorter and to $140 for longer boats.

Commissioners approved a recommendation from staff to require a three-day minimum stay or payment for cabin, yurt, RV and camping rentals during spring chinook season and busy holidays such as Memorial, Bald Eagle and Labor Day weekends. The move should prevent the problem of a person renting a spot only one day and forcing someone who wanted to stay longer to look elsewhere.

Fees for camping were also increased.