Port 2 works on water, donations

Commissioners of Wahkiakum County Port District 2 worked through a light agenda Tuesday.

Commission Chair Brian O'Connor reported that the port's well and water supply at Skamokawa Vista Park is scheduled to be operating by the end of the year.

The port has been getting water from the West Side Water System and recently settled a back bill for $6,000.

Now, Manager Bob Henderson said, the port and the water system will work out a wholesale rate so that they can sell water as necessary, and the purchaser won't be stuck with a higher retail rate, as happened in the past.

Henderson said the park used 96,000 gallons of water in July. No records exist of previous consumption, he said. The park system has been evaluated and seems to have no leaks, he said, but patrons often leave water running.

The board discussed a request from a community group to donate a night's stay in park yurts as part of a fund-raising auction.

Henderson said he had researched the issue and concluded that it is inappropriate for the port, which is a public agency. State law forbids public agencies from giving away public assets.

"That's a tough thing in a small community, having people understand that," Henderson said.

He suggested that the public group could purchase a night's stay and auction that and still make money.

"I'll work it out with them," O'Connor said.

The commission accepted a recommendation from Commissioner Kayrene Gilbertsen to use "hosting" funds for a barbecue after the commission's September 21 meeting.

People could meet Henderson, the new manager, and see the upgraded and refurbished facilities in the park, she said.