Two candidates for Indianola Port Commission have made it clear that they will not accept a paycheck for serving. Good for them.

Commissioners will each receive $100 a meeting, beginning in January. The district budgeted $3,744 for commissioners’ compensation in 2014.

Bad timing for two reasons.

One, the priority right now must be dock improvement and maintenance. It doesn’t make sense to approve nearly $4,000 in new expense — 10 percent of the district’s budget — before we know what the dock needs and how much it will cost.

Two, the district is asking voters to approve an increase in its property tax levy, presumably to help pay for the costs of improving and maintaining the dock, on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.  Commissioner Jeff Henderson said the levy increase will bring in an additional $18,000 in revenue.

Commissioners should forego pay, at least until issues related to the dock are settled.