Port of Commissioners met at Lyon's Ferry

DAYTON – The Port of Columbia Commissioners held their regular meeting at 5 p.m. on June 10, 2026, at Lyon’s Ferry Marina. Commissioners Mike Spring, Johnny Watts, and Scott Hudson were joined by Executive Director Jennie Dickinson and Economic Development Coordinator Shane Laib.

During public comment, a resident expressed concern about the condition of the marina’s breakwater, which apparently prevents larger craft from entering. The marina concessionaire, Joanne Knouf, said the restriction on large craft had been resolved, but extensive repairs were still needed.

The commissioners reviewed a number of routine administrative items before introducing Columbia County Assessor Tammy Ketterman, who discussed changes to Senior and Disabled Persons income limits and home value requirements to qualify for a deduction. The changes will increase the number of residents eligible for a deduction, thereby reducing the Port’s 2027 tax revenue. The previous income cap was $43K, and it has increased to $57K per household.

Residents who think they may qualify for the Senior/Disabled Persons deduction should visit the Assessor’s Office with complete tax and income records. Be aware that income used for this deduction is the total of all income, including from pensions, IRAs, interest, and Social Security, and may be significantly more than taxable income. However, itemized deductions, or standard deductions ($15,000 married/$7,500 single), are subtracted from the total gross income.

The Assessor’s Office staff is available to help residents see if they qualify. There are 180 county residents who qualified for the program under the previous income limits.

Dickinson discussed the Nelson Construction bid of $43,300 for the conference room remodel. The project will take between 4 and 6 weeks to complete, and the commissioners opted to fund the project from reserve funds.

Knouf began her report on Lyon’s Ferry by introducing Jordan, a new employee from Louisiana. Last Monday, the self-described rockhound and treasure hunter spotted something white on the shoreline while kayaking. He discovered it was a jawbone, and the following day, archaeologists determined it was human and very old. The artifact is expected to be returned to a native tribe, and the final disposition and possibility of radioactive dating are yet to be determined. The location is secret, but it was not on Port-owned land.

The sale of the Lyon’s Ferry concession to a new owner is in negotiations. Meanwhile, the Port and Knouf are looking for someone to repair the breakwater. The previous work was done by Bob Gemmill, who recently retired.

Dickinson announced that Rey’s Roast will be moving from Blue Mountain Station to the downtown Dayton building that formerly housed Woody’s.

The Mainstem Malt project is facing a water pressure issue that must be resolved before it goes out to bid. Options to resolve the problem are being explored.

Dickinson hinted about potential business ventures but did not reveal specifics.

Laib said there would be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Dayton’s quilt shop and laundromat during All Wheels Weekend. He is assisting Dayton start-up, The Den Studio, which is organized as a non-profit. The Den is also planning a soft opening for this weekend. He reminded the board that the 2026 Foodstock at Blue Mountain Station is scheduled for July 18.

After a five-minute break, the commissioners discussed the comprehensive plan, where broadband was added as a line of business. There were no other changes to the plan.

Since the port is legally required to appoint a port auditor, the commissioners changed Dickenson’s title to Executive Director/Port Auditor. Dickinson has performed the port auditor’s duties for several years. By officially assuming the role, she will be responsible for the Port’s financial oversight.

The necessary improvements and repairs anticipated for the Lyons Ferry Marina were discussed and updated based on the 2018 Comprehensive Plan, the last update.

The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.