Now that the much-publicized “Welcome to Whidbey” sign at the Clinton ferry dock been rescued, the question of who will look after it still lingers.

On Wednesday, Pat McVay, one of the original carvers of the sign, asked the South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District board for some help.

“On the whole, the front of the sign is in good shape, but the back has sustained some damage,” McVay said. “I estimate that maintaining the sign would cost no more than $500 a year, but someone needs to take ownership.”

His idea is for service clubs to pony up $100 each, which would be given to the parks district and it, in turn, would organize the required painting and freshening-up.

“It wouldn’t cost the parks anything,” McVay said.

Board member Matt Simms noted that tourism is more in the port’s purview.

“Because of its industrial development role and focus of getting people to Whidbey, the Port of South Whidbey should take the sign over. It isn’t our mission,” Simms said.

Board chairwoman Linda Kast thanked McVay for his efforts, but said the district wouldn’t be able to help.