Port of Seattle Commissioners changed their minds and decided not to increase the tax the port collects from King County property owners.
In adopting a budget Tuesday, commissioners decided to keep the tax at the $76 million collected in 2008. Earlier this month commissioners indicated they would approve an 11 percent increase in the 2009 levy.
Commissioners say they are responding to the economic slowdown with a budget that cuts operating expenses by $9 million and leaves 109 staff positions unfilled.
The port operates shipping facilities in Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport and has 1,800 employees.