Port working on budget and property sale

DAYTON–The Port of Columbia Commission held a budget hearing within their regular monthly meeting on November 9; met with a consultant firm by Zoom for beginning the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan; discussed the plan with Table Rock Meat Company for the purchase of port property, as well as obtaining an appraisal of a portion of the rail line to consider selling; and heard updates on the status of the Woody's and Eagles properties and the Broadband Project.

Port Commissioners approved unanimously the 2023 Budget following the public hearing portion of the regular meeting. The budget lists $150,000 for the beginning cash reserve and $100,000 for the cash balance. The anticipated revenues total $4,366,633 with grants and loans contributing $3,250,000. Expenditures total $4,118,678 leaving $247, 955 for an ending cash reserve and cash balance. The budget is available on the Port website.

Representatives from consulting firm Maul, Foster and Alongi provided a presentation of the scope of their services in helping the Port update the comprehensive plan. They told the Commission that a comp plan is required by law and is meant to be a guideline for future decisions and improvements while providing transparent information about investments and public assets. It is designed to work together with the budget and the strategic plan which they clarified is usually a three-to-five-year plan.

A comp plan contains map of port lands, general statement of objectives, description of inventory of existing and planned facilities, description of planned improvement to facilities and capital improvement plan and schedule. They pointed out that one of the goals of a comp plan is assigning assets to the highest and best use within the Port's mission.

All Commissioners voiced support for this concept though Commissioner Seth Bryan added that assets should also be used in the best interest of the community. The update will take about nine months to be finalized. In that time, the consultants will interview the commissioners, stakeholders and the community and take the results to present a draft where the Commission can give input for the final draft.

Executive Director Jennie Dickinson provided information about the process of selling Port property to the Table Rock Meat Company. According to State law, two appraisals are required, and she is asking for more specific information about this. Once complete, a public hearing must be advertised and held providing specific required information to the public. The goal is to have the hearing at the January 11 regular meeting. Then there is a required 20-day appeal period which would make February 1 the estimated closing date.

Dickinson said that adjacent businesses have expressed concern about the facility. One of the leases expired this month and they are now on a month-to-month extension because of the uncertainty of the facility being built there. In addition, the Port has received two comments of concern from the community about potential smell.

The owner, Michelle Shoun who was present said she has a plan for mitigation and that she processes meat in a way that does not produce a smell. Dickinson said it would be good to include information about mitigation in the public information packet. She emphasized that the Port supports the meat processing facility. Bryan said he wants to expedite the process so the business can get started and the Shoun agreed that because they have been given grant money, there is a limited timeframe for when the building must be completed.

The project design for the Broadband Project is almost finished, according to Dickinson, and staff is preparing the construction of the project to go out to bid for contractors. Once a contractor is chosen, a public hearing will be likely scheduled for January.

Dickinson gave a brief update about the Woody's and Eagles buildings. About one year before the fire at the Eagles building, she was working with a potential buyer for Woody's. However, after the fire there was concern over the shared wall with the Eagles. A contractor could not gain access because of the Eagles' insurance. She spoke about a law that exists protecting adjacent buildings requiring dilapidated buildings be brought up to safe standards. This sometimes pushes owners to sell. She said that there are organizations that help purchase buildings for rehab. Also, when a buyer purchases a dilapidated building, there is a tax credit where there is no tax on the additional value from the rehab for ten years. In addition, there is a federal tax credit for the rehab of historic buildings. She shared that Bob Yost has purchased the Eagles building and she is now hoping for access for potential buyers of Woody's to be able to assess the condition of the shared wall.

Commissioner Johnny Watts asked about whether the Port has gotten a more specific cost estimate to appraise the 1.3-acre parcel of property that is adjacent to the rail line next to the Dayton elevator that the Port declared as surplus in August. This was initiated by Northwest Grain Growers in order to negotiate the purchase of the property to expand the seed operation at the plant, providing more seed storage and allow for truck loading. Knowing there is a potential buyer, he and Bryan voiced their eagerness to be ready to sell, and if allowable before the updated comp plan is ready. Dickinson answered the comp plan is in place to protect against rash action when it comes to assets. It must be vetted publicly, and the best interest of constituents must be considered. Watts clarified that in wanting an appraisal, it will allow the Commission to understand the value of the asset, and it is not his intention to circumvent the plan.

Dickinson said at the next Economic Development Steering Committee meeting on December 7 stakeholders and participants will complete the annual survey about the priorities for the community to help determine goals.