Port 2 discusses buoys, OK's budget

Commissioners of Port District No. 2 discussed Grays River buoys and County Line Park and acted on budget and finances when they met November 19.

Working with Westend citizens and Wahkiakum County, the port several years ago installed a series of buoys across Grays Bay for boaters coming out of Deep River. The port has found it difficult to maintain the buoys, however, and at least two have broken free of their mooring anchor and drifted away. None of the buoys were ever equipped with lights.

Office Manager Janet Bryan told Commissioners Kayrene Gilbertsen, Lori Scott and Brian O'Connor she doesn't know what to do about the buoys. She doesn't know how to maintain them, and the port lacks equipment to do the job, she said.

Under provisions of its tideland lease with the Department of Natural Resources, the port is supposed to maintain the buoys.

Commissioner Lori Scott said she would consult with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife about taking responsibility for the buoys.

Port attorney Tim Hanigan suggested the commission check its options and have more discussion at its December meeting, and the commissioners agreed with the suggestion.

Bryan reported that the port is at work refurbishing County Line Park facilities. The restrooms are ready for a plumbing contractor to go to work, she said.

Commissioners signed an interlocal agreement with Wahkiakum County to operate the park; the agreement went before the county board of commissioners Tuesday morning for their approval.

Bryan said the RV portion of the park should be opened by the start of the 2014 spring chinook season; the day-use parking area continues to be open.

Commissioners passed a resolution adopting a $423,750 budget for 2014.

Budget shows $45,000 salary for the office manager, $25,000 for a maintenance employee, and $18,000 for summer help. The port expects to make $16,000 in the sale of sand from dredge spoils, and commissioners voted to increase the district's property tax levy 1 percent, $630.37, to a total of $63,667.61.

The port expects to receive $30,000 from full hook-up campers at Skamokawa Vista Park, $94,200 from partial hook ups, $20,000 from tent rentals, and $28,000 from yurt rentals.

The budget shows $150,000 set aside for potential capital projects.