EPHRATA - Starting June 1, market rate rents are charged on Crescent Bar Island.

It is because of an ongoing legal dispute between some of the residents and Grant County PUD.

The public has been allowed to live on the PUD-owned island, but the lease expires in June.

Some islanders have disputed the lease's end in court, likely delaying their departure.

Grant PUD commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Monday authorizing the district to hire an appraiser to determine fair-market rent.

The Port of Quincy now pays the district $100 per year as part of its lease.

It is likely the rent will increase significantly after an appraisal is completed.

Commissioner Terry Brewer wasn't present and no island residents spoke at the meeting.

Tom Park, an owner of Crescent Bar Resorts, later told the Columbia Basin Herald he was surprised no one was there to protest the commission's decision.

Commissioner Bob Bernd moved to have the resolution approved. Commissioner Dale Walker seconded the motion.

Commissioner Randy Allred said the issues were discussed last week and the resolution was seen as the only reasonable alternative for the district.

Commissioner Tom Flint said they have given the issue a lot of thought.

Port of Quincy Commissioner Curt Morris said he had no comment on the matter because of pending litigation.

Monday's resolution gave the district authorization to seek an outside source to act as the appraiser, Sarah Morford, a district spokesperson explained.