PORT ANGELES — Port of Port Angeles commissioners are considering whether to raise the 2011 property tax levy by 1 percent or forgo the funds for another year.
A public hearing at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 8, will offer an opportunity for public opinion on the levy and the port’s 2011 preliminary budget before both are voted on at the meeting Monday, Nov. 22, two of the three commissioners decided Monday.
The levy rate — which currently is 16 cents for $1,000 assessed valuation — cannot be calculated until the commissioners decide whether or not to pass the 1 percent increase.
The commissioners could also apply “banked” increases from the past couple of years of no increases, but both President George Schoenfeldt and Commissioner Jim McEntire said they were not in favor of that option — which would add $13,183 to the budget.
Commissioner John Calhoun was not at Monday’s meeting because he was ill.
The preliminary budget forecasts $5.59 million in the general fund left over from 2010.
After revenues and expenditures through 2011, about $672,500 will be transferred from the general fund to the capital projects fund, leaving the same $5.59 million in the general fund for 2012, according to a report prepared by Bill James, port finance director.
The port’s policy is to keep about a year’s worth of expenses on hold in the general fund.
Although the $5.59 million is just short of that, McEntire said he was satisfied with that number.
“I think that these numbers are reflective of that policy,” he said.
The budget also plans for about $1.8 million in capital project expenditures.
Moorage fees
No fee increases are planned for boat owners at John Wayne Marina or Port Angeles Boat Haven.
“Now is not the time or the economic atmosphere to raise rates,” McEntire said.
The port’s log yard will have a 3 percent rate increase, and the marine terminal will include a 2 percent increase throughout the fee structures.
The commissioners agreed at their Oct. 11 meeting that the increases were appropriate because fee increases hadn’t occurred in about a decade.
The budget includes 15 capital projects for 2011 for a total of $1.8 million
The projects include stormwater improvement at the marine terminal for $20,000 and at the boat yard for $75,000.
Those improvements are legally required for storm water to be filtered of impurities before it goes back into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The Lincoln Park Master Plan will include a revamping of the park after trees are removed to keep William R. Fairchild International Airport’s runway in compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration and to ensure that trees don’t continue to grow into the landing path.
The port’s portion of the plan will be an estimated $22,000, with the FAA providing several hundred dollars.
The port is also making about $4 million in construction in its industrial park next to the airport.
A “campus” is planned to house either an expanded Angeles Composite Technologies Inc. or other related industries.
“We have heard there is a great synergy among composites in this area, so this is a great opportunity for that,” James said.
The commissioners also heard from Mel Rudin, a Port Angeles pilot, who suggested that the port work on marketing Fairchild airport.
He said the Clallam County Pilots Association would volunteer manpower if the port wished to set up a booth at the Northwest Aviation Conference in Puyallup in February.
Airport promotion
The conference draws hundreds of pilots from throughout the Northwest, Rudin said.
He said that in addition to attracting new people to the area, businesses who need a nearby airport also attend such conferences and could be attracted to the Port Angeles area.
He estimated the cost of the conference would total $3,125, including brochures and the cost of the booth.
________
Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladaily news.com.
