Robert Meadows’ March 20 column lays out the issues and questions the Port of Manchester commissioners face.

However, there is some additional information we would like to pass along.

The parking lot expansion project is included in the port’s Parks & Recreation Plan, its formally adopted and state-acknowledged comprehensive plan.

The formal plan and project are a result of hours of work by local community groups, especially the port’s citizen-based Port Advisory Committee.

While the port was fortunate enough to garner a 75 percent-funded grant from the Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office, it does come with some work, that being the 25 percent match portion.

Currently, the port has secured a bank loan for these funds and has been able to negotiate the purchase of adjacent property. While we will be able to develop the project using cash reserves, the loan and volunteer labor, we will need revenue to retire the debt and plan for the future.

That is why we are having our current public conversation, to hear what citizens want and what they might support.

At recent meetings, the board has not discussed expanding the taxing authority to a full 45 cents per $1,000. Currently we are around 14.5 cents, and may need to go to 25 to 30 cents per $1,000.

At the upper end, that would be a $46 per year increase for a $300,000 home.

All of this money would stay locally, go for tangible improvements, and not go to some other portion of the county or state.

While these numbers may not be large compared to some tax proposals, today’s economy is rocky — a reality we are faced with and respect.

While some community members have expressed interest in using the port’s IDD taxing authority, there have been other voices encouraging the port to take any money measures to the ballot box.

All points are well taken, but the real hurdle is how to engage the public, tap into their thoughts and move forward with community support.

We typically rely on direct mail (piggyback messages on local water bills), community newspapers, and by holding regular public meetings.

However, not everyone is tuned into these outlets.

We want to hear from residents and invite everyone to attend our regular meetings or contact us with your thoughts. The next meetings are April 20, May 11, and June 8, all at 6 p.m., at the Manchester Library.

Also, check our Web site www.portofmanchester.com, where you can email a question or comment.

JAMES E. STRODE

president,

Port of Manchester