Port 1 adopts budget with hikes

Commissioners of Port District 1 approved three resolutions: the 2015 budget in the amount of $1,022,906, new rate increases and a 1 percent increase on the Port District’s tax levy, which will allow them to collect $63,827.95 divided amongst the tax payers in the district. They also heard port business last Thursday at October’s meeting.

Ashley Turner, the director for the Chamber of Commerce, attended the meeting to request the renewal of their contract with the port.

“You’re one of our contracts that we are involved with constantly,” Turner said,”as far as events go and it’s always been really great. Especially this year, I’d like to give big kudos to Commissioner Bob Kizziar, it’s been really good working with you and having different ideas coming in and collaborating.”

Local fisherman and county Commissioner Mike Backman visited on personal business. He has no plans for a currently idle 28’ Blix built sternpicker and wanted to know if the commissioners had any interest in displaying it on port property.

“We don’t want to dismantle it,” Backman said.

The commissioners were interested but wanted to give the matter some thought. It was tabled for the next meeting.

Plans for the relocation of the RV dump are moving forward. The drawings have been completed and approved and the permit has been obtained.

The commissioners approved the purchase of a new washing machine and freezer. Port Manager Jackie Lea reported that fiber optics have been installed at the marina and that service had improved. Staff are working on clean up and maintenance around the port, including painting and replacing window trims.