What Happened at the Meeting -February Edition

Fish Tax Deal: City and Port Reach Agreement on HB 1806

Westport is the largest food-fish landing site in Washington State, and the City has long argued that all that fishing activity puts significant wear and tear on city infrastructure- from processing plants that use large amounts of water to long-haul trucks moving seafood in and out of the marina. Now, a new agreement aims to direct some of that revenue back to the community.

Currently, when fish are landed on shore, a “landing tax” is paid on the value of those fish, and 99% of that revenue goes to the state of Washington. Neither the Port of Grays Harbor nor the City of Westport receives any of it. House Bill 1806 would change that, requiring 50% of the fish tax collected to be distributed to the city where the fish landed. The bill isn’t just about Westport. It would support landing sites throughout the state, including Raymond, Ilwaco, and communities along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Boats at the Westport Marina

The Port of Grays Harbor originally opposed the bill, arguing that it should receive the money instead, citing a need for $60 million to fix and modernize the Westport marina. After several contentious meetings, the two entities have now reached, voted on, and signed an interlocal agreement: the City of Westport will remit 25% of the collected tax to the Port of Grays Harbor, with the remaining 75% staying with the City.

Not everyone was satisfied with the agreement. Council Member Louis Summers, a longtime Westport fisherman, voted against the agreement and spoke plainly at the Feb. 9 meeting. “The Port wants to work with us, but they haven’t worked with the city. They didn’t work with us on the trash at the docks. Our citizens asked the Port to address moorage, but the Port did nothing. I have paid moorage for 31 years, which is a lot of money, and I just want to know one thing that the Port has done for commercial fishermen.”

Mayor Ed Welter offered a different perspective. “The City of Westport has been working on this since before I was mayor. We have pushed it along pretty far. The Port originally opposed it, and this is now the deal we have made to secure the support of the Port of Grays Harbor. They could use money for upgrades as well.”

Council Member Tom Aronson urged a focus on what the City stands to gain. “The Port has re-done electrical and made dock upgrades. Yes, we would love to see a haul out. But think of the 75% we would get. It could go toward wastewater treatment and infrastructure for the fishing community. That money could be used potentially to build sidewalks. I get what you are saying, but this is a compromise.”

Summers wasn’t finished. “The Port has never wanted to be involved until it could get something from it. Repairs and maintenance are part of owning a business. That comes out of our moorage fees every year. That’s just general maintenance. I think we forget who is paying this tax. Until the Port bends our way and helps support the fishermen, the garbage, and the moorage, I don’t think they are doing their share. That’s just the way I feel about it.”

Council Member Troy Meyers tempered expectations about the bill’s near-term prospects, saying he appreciated the Port turning things around quickly but noted that HB 1806 probably won’t pass this session.

At the Feb. 19 City Council meeting, Summers reported that he had spoken with Port of Grays Harbor Commissioner Tom Quigg about the importance of the two entities working together on infrastructure, garbage, and moorage . He also mentioned that there are currently 60 people on the waitlist for moorage in Westport.

Mayor Welter confirmed that the interlocal agreement has been signed by Port Executive Director Leonard Barnes. Welter sent an email asking whether the Port will now publicly support HB 1806, but had not received a response at the time of the meeting.

Indoor Pool Idea Back on the Table

Just a free image of an indoor pool for inspiration

There was substantial discussion at the last two Council meetings about the prospect of an indoor city pool. This is not a new idea, but it’s back under consideration. If the City wanted to use tax funds to build a pool, working with the South Beach Parks and Recreation Committee would be the required first step.

Editor’s Note: An indoor pool that could serve the community’s youth for swim lessons, adults and seniors for water exercise, and visitors looking for an indoor activity sounds like an idea worth pursuing!

Westport Welcomes New Police Chief

Westport has a new Police Chief. Chief Phillips was sworn in during the Feb. 19 City Council meeting.

Roof Repair Stalled by Tariff Dispute

The torn roof at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was slated for replacement, remains in limbo. Parts are still needed, and the Canadian company that supplies them recently informed the City that it requires more money due to tariffs. The company now appears to be avoiding the City’s phone calls. To be continued.

Overheard in the Chambers

A few quotes that caught our ear from various committee meeting members:

“We are not trying to stop development in this town, but there is only so much to develop and only so much wetland that can be filled. What we got, we better take care of.”

“With all the developments coming up we are going to be at capacity.” (Regarding wastewater treatment)

“Most of the time, Mother Nature wins.”

“I’m not in favor of advertising surfing at all.”

“Past and current employees have been and are still currently being abused by Mr. Olsen (South Beach Homes LLC). It would be a fool’s errand to get involved in anything with him.”