County Council October 7, 2025
The council approved a letter to federal representatives requesting a prohibition on masked law enforcement; a letter of thanks to Island County for a gift of a surplus trailer to the SJO Sheriff’s office which will be used as Office space on Lopez. and a letter requesting a joint meeting with the Friday Harbor Town Council to discuss the development agreement for the Argyle Project. The chair declared National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
During public comment a representative of Friends of the San Juans objected to the proposal to designate renewable energy and energy storage projects as Essential Public Facilities in the Utilities Element of the Comp Plan and proposed that the county use the docket request process to allow for greater transparency. An employee of the Friday Harbor Labs spoke in support of marine stewardship.
The council held a public hearing on a proposal to amend language from “will” to “may” regarding an advisory committee for the Shaw Island sub-area plan. Noting a need to have a citizens committee on Shaw to engage with the county on public services, the council did not move the resolution, and it died. After a public hearing, the council approved an ordinance amending language to simplify membership and pave the way to reactivate the Building Advisory Committee. The Council held a public hearing to review the revenue sources and projected flows for the 2026-2027 biennial budget. Property tax revenue growth is limited to 2%, which is below inflation. The council wants a closer look at permit revenue.
The council approved retaining the current level of clean water service and capital improvement rates. The council adopted the Marine Stewardship Area Report which will replace the 2007 Marine Stewardship plan. It includes updated research and data and goals. goals that will be tracked and reviewed annually at the Marine Resources Committee retreat. The council approved opening the process for Historical Preservation grants.
The council discussed possible adjustments to the council travel budget and plans to look at the overall budget for council operations at the October 20 meeting in line with a 9% reduction in department budget requests.
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