Port of Seattle votes not to increase tax levy

Reversing its earlier position, the Port of Seattle Commission voted Tuesday not to increase its tax levy on King Country property owners next year.

Commissioners will leave the levy at $75.9 million, costing the owner of a $400,000 home about $79 next year.

In a preliminary vote on a 2009 budget two weeks ago commissioners backed an $84 million levy that would've cost the same homeowner about $88. But they heard protests from taxpayers and the Municipal League of King County.

"In the end we came to a general consensus that this was not a year to add on an additional penny," said Commissioner Lloyd Hara.

Commission President John Creighton, who pushed to keep the levy flat, said he was concerned about public perception of the Port, particularly after a scathing state audit last year.

"I think that's what we're dealing with right now. In dire economic circumstances, I think it shows good faith on the part of the Port in being fiscally prudent," Creighton said.

The Municipal League had implored the Port in a letter last week not to increase the levy during a "financial meltdown that is dramatically afflicting business activity and real property values in King County."

Several citizens at Tuesday's meeting urged the Port to think of families facing financial hardship.

"When our family heard there would be an 11 percent increase next year, our initial reaction was that this was a throwback to the old regime," said Horace Parker, of Burien.

Adam Lloyd, of Burien, said the Port was too dependent on taxes and should strive to operate on revenues it receives from tenants at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and its shipping, fishing and cruise-ship terminals. "We understand the need for investment. It's just too easy to use taxpayer money and it's done because it is easy," Lloyd said.

Commissioner Pat Davis cast the lone dissenting vote, saying that under the proposed levy increase few homeowners would have been hurt by paying an additional $8 or $9 next year. Without the increase, Davis said, some projects would be deferred.

Commissioners said they worked to find cuts in the last two weeks that would forestall a levy increase without hurting the Port's long-term strategy. "Today's vote is what counts," concluded Commissioner Bill Bryant.

Bob Young: 206-464-2174 or byoung@seattletimes.com