Port of South Whidbey eyes ways to increase revenue
Published 1:30 am Friday, October 3, 2025
With expenses increasing and revenue going down, the Port of South Whidbey is looking for ways to bridge the gap.
During a workshop meeting this week, the port’s board of commissioners reviewed the final budget for 2025. Total capital revenue is $1.3 million, while total capital expenditures are $1.5 million, creating a deficit of about $230,000, according to budget documents.
Executive Director Jim Pivarnik told the commissioners that staff have come up with short-term solutions, one of which is an increase in income for the South Whidbey Harbor. At least one employee at the marina has decided to work part-time in the off-season, which will help with expenses. Pivarnik said the port is planning to look into charging electricity for $5 a night for boats coming in, as well as charging a reservation fee as many boats don’t show.
More long-term moorage tenants at the marina might be another consideration, as there were 280 people on the wait list for an open spot. The commissioners agreed they were open to this idea. If a long-term customer leaves for a short period of time, this could be another opportunity to get a transient boater in to fill their vacancy.
In addition, the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds director is going through every lease to make sure everything is up to date and market rate is being charged, which could include possibly negotiating a new lease with the Whidbey Island Fair Association.
The board also discussed cost-of-living adjustment increases, which might be 3% instead of 5%, with the potential of offering additional 2% merit-based increases.
The main restrooms at the fairgrounds across from the fair office are in terrible shape, Pivarnik said, and staff have applied for a $65,000 Department of Agriculture grant that requires zero matching funds from the port.
Final approval of the budget will occur at a meeting later this year.
An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the commissioners unanimously approved the final budget for 2025. It has since been updated with the correct information.
