An 800-pound gorilla will be sitting at the table during tonight’s regular port meeting — the Langley marina project.
At 7 p.m. at the Freeland Library, Port of South Whidbey commissioners will examine next year’s budget prepared by port manager Ed Field.
While attention has been paid to normal port concerns — Bush Point, Clinton Beach, Possession Point, Maxwelton and Freeland Park — it is the marina that will dominate the discussion.
The budget’s big ticket item is $140,500 for Langley small boat harbor improvements. The work deals mainly with engineering design and permitting, maintenance of the breakwater, creation of a master plan and acquisition of a temporary on-site office.
Unfortunately, the port doesn’t have a printing press to help pay for projects. Total revenue from property taxes, interest and parking lot fees will bring in an estimated $475,000 next year.
Disbursements, on the other hand, total $508,000, a $33,000 deficit.
However, that figure doesn’t take into account the $200,000 designated for the planned 2007 marina upgrades; needed improvements to the boat ramp, parking lot and Phil Simon Park.
Last week, the project was put on hold when construction bids came in significantly over what the port and city of Langley had budgeted.
“This budget covers our normal expenses, increased staffing requirements and anticipated costs as we ramp up to take over the marina in January 2009,” Field said.
As operations and engineering activity increase, Field hopes to add much-needed employees to help him manage the port’s expanding operations.
Port Commissioner Geoff Tapert agrees with the need for more manpower.
“Our responsibilities are growing and we have to adjust to the realities of the situation,” he said.
“How we deal with overhead versus capital improvement will be a key factor in the months ahead.”
The budget has targeted $30,000 for sponsorships and tourism development to support organizations that generate positive revenue for South Whidbey.
Over the years, commissioners have approved funding requests for Clinton Days, the farm tour, the welcome kiosk at Ken’s Korner, the open studio tour, Choochokam Arts Festival and the Economic Development Council.
The final approval on the budget will be made at the Nov. 8 meeting.
Also on tonight’s agenda is a presentation by Langley resident Chuck Leavitt. He will detail possible methods to make the boat harbor project proceed more smoothly.
