Port anticipates ending year in the black

DAYTON–The Port of Columbia Executive Director Jennie Dickinson reported to the Port Commissioners at the December 9, 2020, meeting that the Port District has received 93% of their taxes for the year but they are behind in receiving $29,000 in taxes. In the last month, the Port did receive almost $57,000. The year-end report will be available in January when the Port receives the Treasurer’s Report from the County. Dickinson said that “So far with these numbers it looks like I’m on track to meet the beginning cash reserve balance that I had budgeted.”

Dickinson noted the recent locomotive derailment in downtown Dayton, at 3rd Street. The cause was operator error and equipment was used to put it back on the track.

Other Port business was presented. The Blue Mountain Station now has a liquor license to sell beer and wine with the focus on local makers, particularly those in Dayton such as the mead from Bard and Bee, and the signature liqueurs from Cedar Rain Spirits.

The 2021 Annual Manager’s Plan was presented for Lyon’s Ferry Marina with anticipated projects such as painting the exterior and replacing the windows of the store and restaurant building, upgrading the WiFi to the park, completing landscaping around the cabins, installing a new fence around the dog park, planning for RV pull-through sites and a new or remodeled restroom, refurbishing or replacing the Wash Rules sign, and the purchase of a new highway sign. All projects are subject to the approval of the Corps of Engineers. Some project costs are the responsibility of the Port, where others are those of the concessionaire.

The Port is anticipating a public meeting about the Bike Trail Project in February based completion of 30% progress of the design by Anderson Perry and with time for review by the Commissioners.

The Commissioners will be meeting with Dickinson on December 18 for a Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Review Workshop.