Port officials postpone vote on tax hike

Port of South Whidbey commissioners decided Wednesday to delay a vote on a proposed property tax increase.

FREELAND – Port of South Whidbey commissioners decided Wednesday to delay a vote on a proposed property tax increase.

Port commissioners had been considering putting the tax hike before voters during the August primary. Instead, commissioners are now looking at a ballot measure for the general election on Nov. 4.

Commissioners want to triple the port’s property tax levy, from 10 to 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, to pay for improvements at the Langley Marina.

Port Commissioner Rolf Seitle said the port needs to do a better job of communicating details of the project so voters can make an informed decision on the proposal.