LANGLEY — A possible sale of the Langley marina from the city to the Port of South Whidbey is coming down to the wire.

But before the finish, lawyers for the port and Langley will need to reach consensus on an agreement that will satisfy both sides.

“The lawyers are talking,” said Langley councilman Robert Gilman. “My sense is that the process is moving along but I certainly understand the frustration this is causing.”

Following the last council meeting on March 21, city attorney Dale Roundy and port lawyer Al Hendricks met to hammer out a compromise.

Port Commissioners Geoff Tapert and Lynae Slinden were called over the weekend by Langley officials, who were apparently worried the port will pull the plug on the marina deal if the council doesn’t make a decision soon.

“They’re a little wigged-out over our position,” Tapert said.

“Basically, Langley has to make their move one way or another. Fish or cut bait, as they say,” Tapert added.

“They want more time, but they have to decide if this is important to them,” added Slinden. “It’s not going to stay on the table forever.”

The city remains concerned over how state officials will view the sale of the public property.

While the port’s offer includes a clause that a review of the sale will be made by the state, it doesn’t set out what will happen if the state disapproves of the transfer of the marina.

Both the city and port will host separate meetings April 4. Port commissioners remain hopeful a decision can be reached this week.

Jeff VanDerford can be reached at 221-5300 or jvanderford@southwhidbeyrecord.com.