Port 2 adopts budget, maintains current tax

Commissioners of Port District 2 adopted a budget for 2019 when they met October 16 at Skamokawa Vista Park.

In adopting the district budget, Commissioners Lori Scott, Brian O’Connor and Lee Tischer declined to raise local property taxes the 1 percent allowed them under state law. Commissioners said anticipated revenue should cover district expenses.

“It’s my opinion that we should not increase taxes,” said Scott, board chair.

“I agree with that,” O’Connor said, and Tischer concurred.

“And maybe there’s a point where we could not collect as much taxes as we collect,” Scott added.

The port’s budget totals $1.058 million. The district’s actual levy for 2018 is $69,541.60.

In other business, Manager Janet Bryan recommended the board approve an expenditure of $6,800 for repair of the tennis court at Vista Park by Sam Longtain Construction. Part of the fill under one corner has eroded away, leaving the area unstable and hazardous.

The cost could be higher, Bryan added, depending on what the contractor finds after beginning work. Longtain was the only firm to respond to a request for bids. The board voted to approve the expense.