Port of Coupeville approves industrial development levy, aims to fund historic property repairs

Commissioners for the Port of Coupeville voted on November ten to adopt an industrial development tax levy that will appear on property tax rolls in the coming year. Set at forty five cents per one thousand dollars of assessed value, port estimates indicate roughly one point two five million dollars could be raised in the first year. The levy follows the port s creation of an Industrial Development District last month, a step that removed the need for separate voter approval before the tax could be imposed.

Port officials and members of the public at the meeting framed the levy as a means to fund capital work tied to the port s historic holdings and community assets. Primary projects cited for levy funding include rehabilitation of the Coupeville Wharf, preservation work at Greenbank Farm, and maintenance at the port owned building at 24 Front Street. Port leaders stressed that levy proceeds must be spent on the designated projects established under the district plan, and they described broad local support for maintaining these historic sites.

Local residents can expect a modest increase in their property tax bills tied to the new rate. At forty five cents per one thousand dollars, a one hundred thousand dollar assessed property would see about forty five dollars in additional tax annually. For a three hundred thousand dollar property the increase would be approximately one hundred thirty five dollars. The port s revenue projection is intended to supply capital funding without drawing on other local government budgets.

For Island County the move has several implications. The Coupeville Wharf is both a community landmark and a functional piece of waterfront infrastructure, and work there can influence tourism, marine access, and shoreline resilience. Greenbank Farm is a cultural and agricultural hub that supports local events and preserves open space. Funding for 24 Front Street can affect the port s ability to host maritime services and community oriented uses. Together, investments in these properties are likely to influence downtown Coupeville s character and the broader visitor economy.

The decision also reflects how local entities use statutory tools to finance preservation and development. Creating an industrial development district, then levying a tax within it, allowed the port to advance a funding plan without a separate public vote. Commissioners framed the approach as a way to secure resources for prioritized capital work, and port staff will now move into budgeting and project planning phases. As projects proceed, residents will be watching timelines, permitting requirements, and the visible effects on Coupeville s waterfront and public spaces.