Board approves $3.6 million Port budget

DAYTON-The Port of Columbia Board approved unanimously a $3.6 million budget for 2025 during the November 13 meeting. Of the budget, about half million comes from tax revenue and another half from rental income. The remainder is through grants and loans.

Key expenditures include $1.3 million for marina maintenance and improvements and another $1 million for the craft malt facility with the CERB grant. Additionally, the 2025 Capital Facilities Plan was approved unanimously which included the construction of a shed at Blue Mountain Station.

The Levy Certification was also approved for not taking the 1% increase as allowed with Commissioner Mike Spring dissenting.

For the Lyons Ferry Marina, the annual management plan will be reviewed with the concessionaires to meet the requirements of the Corps of Engineers.

At Blue Mountain Station, the craft malt facility is in process of meeting compliance before moving to the design phase of the project.

The appraisal for the railroad is still pending though the line inspection is complete. Public comment was made by Jerry Kaiser to request the commission pursue funding to maintain the rail line. Later Commissioner Johnny Watts offered assurance that he supports having a viable railroad whether they sell it or not.

Spring proposed they have their attorney Kim Boggs or her representative present at all meetings to which the commission decided they would decide once they receive the estimated expense from her office.

The commission had discussion about the possible sale of a vacant lot in the Rock Hill Industrial Park to Tucannon River Construction. They would share the cost of the appraisal of the land.

The next meeting is planned for the third Wednesday on December 18 instead of the second Wednesday.