Port 1 okays paper trailer, dredge repair

Wahkiakum County Port 1 Commissioners made room for the Lions Club and approved several items at their meeting last Thursday.

Brian McClain, a member of the local Lions Club, asked if the organization could relocate their paper recycling trailer onto port property. The trailer is currently on Town of Cathlamet property near the wastewater treatment facility. Access is limited and has become inconvenient for the club, which is why are trying to find a more suitable location.

The recycled paper is collected to raise money for scholarships for local high school students. McClain estimated that it takes about 6-8 months to fill the trailer, which can generate between $1,800-2,800 per load.

Commissioners authorized the port manager to facilitate placement of the trailer and to charge the Lions Club $1 each year.

Assistant Port Manager Todd Souvenir reported that the transmission had gone out on the dredge. It went in for repair and was rebuilt in less than one day for $1,450. Some repairs were made to the tug as well.

It cost the port a little over $5,500 for supplies and repairs to their bathrooms and showers this year, according to the manager’s report.

“I’m appalled at the cost,” Commissioner Scott Anderson said. Commissioners will revisit bathroom accessibility in December.

The commissioners approved the 2019 rate schedule and the 2019 budget of $976,618 with $211,493 in expected capital outlay.

They also approved a one percent increase in the regular property tax levy with Commissioner Bob Kizziar abstaining. The 2019 levy totals $69,408.21, an increase of $687.21 from last year.

Finally, commissioners approved Kizziar’s attendance to a Washington Public Ports Association annual meeting in Bellevue in December.