San Juan County Council July 28, 2026 meeting

LWVSJ Observer Corps*: San Juan County Council Regular Meeting July 28,2026

The County Council approved a letter to the community regarding recent hate speech and another to Governor Ferguson regarding increased risk of shipping accidents and spills from new oil transportation projects, with copies to be sent to other concerned parties.

Council held a brief public hearing regarding the Land Bank Dolphin Bay Road Property on Orcas

Island, followed by a public hearing regarding the siting of an Essential Public Facility on Shaw Island with varied input from Shaw residents. That hearing was interrupted by a power outage and will be continued at the August 4th Council meeting on Shaw Island.

County Manager Jessica Hudson reviewed major marine-related capital works projects that had been discussed earlier to prioritize requests for state legislative funding. She summarized the needs of the WSF Orcas terminal warehouse building, the public marine facility at Orcas landing including the pier, and the sheriff’s boat dock, which was partially closed due to storm damage. She also discussed the public works facility at Mackaye Harbor on Lopez and the needs of the Shaw Island ferry holding lanes. In anticipation of visits from the District’s legislators, Council agreed that the Orcas landing marine facilities should be prioritized for discussion, with the possibility of addressing the Shaw holding lanes as an ongoing need for future funding. Council members agreed that the $4 million request for replacement of the pier and dock should be pursued as priority for state funding in 2027.

Joe Vlach (Parks and Rec) presented options for keeping the Orcas Village Green open as a public space, considering anticipated budget cuts. Several models and concepts for cost sharing are under consideration.

Council member Fuller is planning for transition of her roles with the Washington State Association of Counties, the legislative steering committee, and other appointments as she retires from her positions at the end of the year. She announced the adoption of a resolution by the National Association of Counties on ferries and hopes for advocacy for ferry support at the national and state levels.

Council postponed discussion of revenue options. Council will meet again on August 3, 4, 24, and 25, continuing discussion of fiscal cuts, revenues and considerations for the 2027 budget.

*The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, encourages informed participation in government.  The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to promote public understanding of public policy and decisions.  The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.