The Port of Port Townsend commissioners are to begin their official business for 2017 by electing officers. The commission’s first meeting of the year is set for 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11 in the Port Commission building, 333 Benedict St., Port Townsend.

The election of officers is one of the agenda’s first items. Currently, Pete Hanke is board president, Steve Tucker is vice president, and Brad Clinefelter is secretary.

The Jan. 11 meeting includes an audit exit conference with state Auditor’s Office representatives who have been completing fieldwork on the port’s 2014 and 2015 financial statements and accountability audit.

There is to be a second reading of the proposed commission meeting procedures. At a December meeting, the commissioners considered a recommendation that the board conduct two meetings a year in each of the three districts. The county airport and the Tri-Area were suggestions for District 2, and Port Ludlow and Quilcene were recommended for District 3. Regular meetings take place in Port Townsend, which is District 1.

Public records officer Sue Nelson expects the recommendation on moorage rates to be presented at the commission’s 5:30 p.m. meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 25 in PT, with the change to go into effect Feb. 1. The estimated date for yard rate changes would occur in late February or March.

Executive Director Sam Gibboney stated that tenants would receive notice of rate changes in advance. She reported that staff is looking at a 3 percent increase and is receiving input from major tenants. Staff intends to recommend a phase-out and reincorporating of the rate structure.

At the port’s Dec. 14 meeting, the commissioners unanimously approved a request from the sponsors of the Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby to waive boat launch ramp fees for the derby, scheduled for Feb. 17-19. Some audience members spoke in favor of the proposed waiver, and some were opposed. The commissioners approved the request, asking the derby sponsors for an accounting of where derby proceeds are distributed.