Port of Seattle decides not to raise taxes

Port of Seattle Commissioners changed their minds and decided not to increase the tax the port collects from King County property owners.

Port of Seattle Commissioners changed their minds and decided not to increase the tax the port collects from King County property owners.

In adopting a budget Tuesday, commissioners decided to keep the tax at the $76 million collected in 2008. Earlier this month commissioners indicated they would approve an 11 percent increase in the 2009 levy.

Commissioners say they are responding to the economic slowdown with a budget that cuts operating expenses by $9 million and leaves 109 staff positions unfilled.

The port operates shipping facilities in Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport and has 1,800 employees.

Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com