Friday Harbor Town Council November 20, 2025

Mayor Jackson proclaimed November 29 Small Business Saturday and encouraged all to shop local businesses. 

Director Day of the Chamber of Commerce gave an overview of Chamber events and programs of which the largest job is the Visitors Center.   She requested the first 2% from LTAC funding for July 4^th parade and fireworks and funds to modernize the Visitor’s Center.  The council approved $58,900 to the SJI Chamber of Commerce for the two requests. 

At a continued public hearing for the Griffin Place Development Agreement, a town resident said any density bonus should be granted for permanently affordable housing only.   The council approved the Griffin Place Development Agreement as presented with staff recommendations.

Town Finance Director said there will be a public hearing on utility rates at the December 4 meeting.  She provided the Council with an overview of the 2026 preliminary budget. Information on the budget is on the town’s website. 

Public hearings were held on the 2025- Revenue Sources, Fee Schedule, Property Tax (RCW 84.55.120) and on Preliminary Budget/Expenditures. Both hearings were continued to December 4, 2025.  A public hearing was opened on the Final Budget and will continue until December 18, 2025.   The council adopted the Tax Levy for 2026.

The Town Administrator reported that staff received fire extinguisher training from Fire District #3.

Council Member Hushebeck requested an evaluation of street and pedestrian improvements that might be needed with the potential increase in population on Grover Street.  The Community Development Director reported he had met with the School Superintendent about sidewalk and parking improvements that the School District and the Town would make on Grover Street.

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