Port of Bellingham's hold-steady budget ready for public scrutiny

John Stark

Nov. 2, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- BELLINGHAM -- The Port of Bellingham invites the public to comment on its proposed budget for 2010 during a port commission meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Harbor Center Conference Room, 1801 Roeder Ave.

People will have a second chance to comment 3 p.m. Nov. 17, before the commission votes on the budget.

Rob Fix, the port's chief financial officer, said his budget projections are based on an anticipated economic recovery in the year ahead, but he's not expecting the recovery to be swift or robust.

The port will hold the line on property tax revenues, collecting the same $7.4 million as last year from Whatcom County property owners.

Keeping total tax collections the same will likely mean a lowering of the port's 2009 tax rate of 30.6 cents per $1,000, although the exact rate can't be calculated until the total value of property in the county is available later in the year. Fix estimates a rate of about 28 cents, which would lower the port tax bill on a $275,000 house to $77 in 2010, compared to $84.15 this year.

Individual results may vary, since some homes will see their assessed valuations rise between this year and next.

Fix and Fred Seeger, the port's acting executive director, said property tax revenues are earmarked for non-operating expenses, such as payment on bonds to build major projects, park expenses, environmental work, and waterfront redevelopment.

Fix said each of the port's operating divisions now generates enough revenue to cover its own expenses, without tax subsidy and without movement of money between divisions.

The budget anticipates no growth in the port's approximately 80-person staff, and forecasts a 14 percent increase in operating revenues over the current budget, with total operating revenues for the year projected at $19.6 million. Operating expenses are projected to increase by 4 percent over the current budget.

The 2010 budget includes more than $25 million for Bellingham International Airport improvement projects, including rehabilitation of the runway and one of the taxiways, and construction to improve parking and the secure passenger waiting area. Federal grants are expected to cover all but $5.2 million of the cost.

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READ THE REPORT

To see the Port of Bellingham's proposed 2010 budget , go to portofbellingham.com.

Reach JOHN STARK at john.stark@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2274.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0233-39363031