Port board begins budget work

DAYTON – The Columbia Port Commissioners held their regular meeting in the port conference room on August 9, 2023. Commissioners present in person were Genie Crowe, Seth Bryan, joined by the Executive Director, Jennie Dickinson. Johnny Watts participated over Zoom.

Dickinson began preliminary budget discussions by saying she anticipates an insurance rate increase of about $1,500 for additional coverage for the broadband project. An offset could come from revenue generated from broadband after it becomes operational.

Dickinson said she would have a preliminary budget for the commissioners in next month’s meeting packet.

In the director’s update on assets, she said D & C Detailing had purchased Columbia River Detailing and signed a new lease with the Port of Columbia.

Dickinson said she has a candidate for the Economic Development Coordinator and hopes to have a good report next month on a hire. She said the craft malting study continues, discussing the cost and effectiveness of electrical versus propane power to dry and roast the malt.

The Weinhard Hotel is in the process of being sold. The new owner plans to close the hotel in October through the winter for renovations.

Dickinson announced that the three ISPs participating in the broadband project had been given the go-ahead to install equipment in the co-location center starting August 14, 2023. She said broadband was very close to being finished.

The commissioners approved a Fiber Management Agreement with Petrichor to manage the broadband installation. The Commissioners also approved a construction contract with Blue Mountain Telecommunications for work on the Touchet Valley Broadband project, an expansion of the project into more areas of Columbia County.

A fiber lighting ceremony will be held at Blue Mountain Station on September 20, 2023, at 5:00 p.m.

The chair adjourned the hour long meeting, the next meeting is scheduled for September 13, 2023.