Port of Morrow will continue providing payroll services for CDA
By Griffin Beach on Thursday, November 13th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
BOARDMAN – The Port of Morrow will continue providing payroll services for the Columbia Development Authority (CDA) for at least two more months as needed, the Port Commission decided Wednesday.
The decision came after the Port, which serves as the CDA’s fiscal agent, had previously stated it would no longer provide payroll services after Wednesday. The CDA held a special meeting Monday to discuss the issue but took no action.
Had the Port not extended the deadline there would’ve been no system in place to pay CDA Executive Director Greg Smith and Project Coordinator Emily Collins
The Port Commission’s vote was 4-1, with Commissioner Kelly Doherty the sole vote against.
“This is our fifth time that we’ve moved it,” Doherty said. “We shouldn’t be spending the money that we don’t have and that the CDA doesn’t have. We have no recourse to get that money back.”
Other commissioners reiterated the importance of making sure the project continues to move forward.
“This is going to be a huge project for the region, and we need to continue to finish it up,” said Port board Vice-President Rick Stokoe.
The phrase “as needed” was added to the motion because the CDA is considering a proposal that would convert its staff to contract employees, which would eliminate the need for the Port to continue providing payroll services.
Image courtesy of the Port of Morrow
