The Port of Port Townsend is considering rate increases to bolster revenue next year, but Port commissioners say they are adamant about not raising taxes.
The three-member board has not raised the property tax rate for two years.
On Wednesday, commissioners balked at the idea of a hike in 2005 after Port staff suggested a 1 percent tax rate increase.
Commissioners seemed to favor maintaining the current levy millage rate instead of letting it fall next year.
Currently, the Port collects 22.8 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation countywide.
Tax revenue would rise slightly because of higher assessed property values and new construction taxes, commissioners were told.
Outside of tax revenue, the Port finances are looking good, Financial Manager Donald Taylor said.
$3.9 million budget
The Port is operating on a $3.9 million budget adopted last November.
Next year’s budget will probably be comparable, Taylor said.
“Our revenues have been really strong the last few months,” he said.
So far this year, the Port has brought in nearly $100,000 more than last year.
