South Whidbey port commissioners agree on tax increase

Port of South Whidbey commissioners unanimously agreed to put a tax increase on the November ballot to pay for the $9 million makeover of the Langley Marina. At their meeting Wednesday night, port commissioners decided on a ballot measure for a 9-cent increase in the port's property tax levy. The levy would be assessed for 20 years.

Port of South Whidbey commissioners unanimously agreed to put a tax increase on the November ballot to pay for the $9 million makeover of the Langley Marina.

At their meeting Wednesday night, port commissioners decided on a ballot measure for a 9-cent increase in the port’s property tax levy. The levy would be assessed for 20 years.

Currently, the port collects 10.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

If the measure passes in November, homeowners would see a roughly $34 per year increase for a home valued at $360,000. The total levy for an owner of a $360,000 home would be approximately $70 a year.

Port officials also agreed on a final design for Phase I of the project. It will add 67 leasable slips, including several stern-to-boat tie-ups.

“Investing in a structure like this is the right thing to do if we want to encourage the economy to grow,” said Port Commissioner Geoff Tapert.