No one disputes that the Coupeville Wharf is an iconic feature of Central Whidbey.

The Wharf is a public asset, protected and maintained by the Port of Coupeville, a public agency. The key word is “public.”

If we want to keep this 110 year-old piece of Coupeville history, we as the public need to step up and support it.

Currently, the port collects 17 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.

That brings in roughly $350,000 a year in tax revenue. With two aging historic and iconic structures in the wharf and Greenbank Farm, the port is trying to do a lot with virtually nothing.

Legally, commissioners could ask for up to 45 cents for up to five years.

Most everyone enjoys a stroll out onto the water, a meal at Kim’s Cafe or a coffee from Local Grown.

Tourists enjoy picking up Coupeville and island memorabilia from the Harbor Store while taking in the scenic beauty of Penn Cove.

Boat enthusiasts know they can swing by along a trip through Saratoga Passage for fuel or other boating services.

The dock at the wharf is usually packed during peak tourist season.

Port commissioners should look at how the Coupeville School District recently passed its $5-million capital facilities levy to make needed repairs to its aging facilities.

Like our school district, the community needs to invest in its assets. And the Coupeville Wharf is an asset.

Hopefully, Island County commissioners will approve the port’s request of $50,000 in rural economic development funds to conduct an engineering study at the wharf to assess its structural needs.

Once port officials have a better idea of what’s going on under the water, they should create a plan and propose it to the public.

And the public should seriously consider the needs of the port in maintaining not their wharf, but the community’s wharf.