The Port of Coupeville’s preliminary budget was so tight this year that the agency’s director scrutinized just about every penny.

Executive Director Tim McDonald said he had to review each line item to balance the $538,000 operating budget.

In the end, it came down to $5,000.

Each commissioner cut $500 from his travel budget and the board decided to reduce hours for a temporary administrative position that was only approved this summer.

The preliminary 2015 budget, which commissioners approved last week, earmarks just $10,000 for construction, repairs and maintenance for both the aging wharf and buildings at Greenbank Farm.

“We’ll barely be squeaking by,” McDonald said.

And that earmark does not account for major projects identified on the port’s repairs and maintenance list, which includes fixing the port office foundation and stairwell.

“This is a financially responsible budget,” said Commissioner Bill Larsen. “The budget addresses what we face in the next year. It’s a living, working document.”

The port does have $180,000 in an undedicated fund, which is left over from funds secured by selling a conservation easement at Greenbank Farm.

The fund initially had $335,000, but funds were transferred into the 2014 budget to cover unexpected repairs and maintenance. Some of the funds were also used to cover the port handyman position, which was created earlier this year.

McDonald said that the $180,000 needs to last the port three years when the bond for Greenbank Farm is paid off.

“The 2018 budget will be a lot easier because you won’t be paying off the Greenbank Farm bond,” McDonald told commissioners last week.

In 2015, the port will pay $106,000 toward the bond’s principal and interest.

With an ever-tight budget, limited reserve funds and aging buildings in need of repair, port officials are exploring options to bring in additional revenue and various grant options to help with repair costs.

This month, the port, with the aid of Sarah Steen from Ebey’s Landing Historical Reserve, will submit for a $50,000 matching National Heritage Grant.

The grant is possible with the port’s tight budget because the required match could be given in kind. McDonald said the port handyman would be assisting with the execution of the grant and his salary can be considered in the matching requirements.

Steen, who is drafting the grant proposal along with volunteer David Day, said the grant will focus on exterior needs, including roofing, windows, siding and trim.

“We’re really excited about this,” Larsen said.

If accepted, the port would have two years to accomplish any work under the grant.

The port also anticipates $2,000 in revenue from the recently instituted $1 per head passenger fee.