FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 12, 2026
Contact: Jim Pivarnik, Executive Director
Port of South Whidbey
360-331-5494
execdir@portofsouthwhidbey.com
Port of South Whidbey offers Q&A sessions ahead of election
Residents invited to learn more about proposed six-cent levy lid lift
FREELAND, Wash. – The Port of South Whidbey will host two informal question-and-answer sessions for the public in October to provide information about the levy lid lift on the November 3 General Election ballot.
Residents are invited to attend either session to learn more about the measure, how the Port is funded, and what the additional revenue would support. Port representatives will be available to answer questions.
The sessions are scheduled for:
- Saturday, October 24, at 10:30 a.m. – In person at South Whidbey Fire/EMS Station 36, located at 5579 Bayview Road in Langley
- Tuesday, October 27, at 6 p.m. – Online via Zoom. The meeting link is available at com/levy_info.
Under Washington state law, the Port’s property tax revenue growth is generally limited to 1% annually, excluding new construction and certain other adjustments. As property values have increased, the Port’s levy rate has gradually declined while the cost of maintaining public facilities has continued to rise.
The Port is asking voters to consider a levy lid lift of six cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. If approved, the measure would increase the Port’s levy rate to approximately 17 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, restoring it to roughly its 2017 level. For the average homeowner, the increase would be approximately $4.33 per month, or $52 per year.
Additional revenue would help the Port preserve aging facilities, maintain public waterfront access, support small business development, and provide matching funds to compete for state and federal grants.
The Port of South Whidbey serves approximately 16,000 residents and businesses by maintaining public beaches, a working harbor, boat launches, and the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds & Events Center. It also supports economic development and infrastructure that benefits the South Whidbey community. For more information about the measure, visit portofsouthwhidbey.com/levy_info.
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The Port of South Whidbey serves approximately 16,000 people and businesses on South Whidbey Island, including Freeland, Clinton and the city of Langley. The Port encompasses a harbor, 65 miles of shoreline, three public beaches, and the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds. Its mission is to drive economic development for South Whidbey through access to these properties while respecting the unique rural character and environment of the island. Learn more at portofsouthwhidbey.com.