Auditor seeks writers of arguments both ‘for’ and ‘against’ ballot measures

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

San Juan County Auditor Natasha Warmenhoven is seeking people interested in writing arguments for and against ballot measures for the 2025 General voters’ guide.

To ensure an informed electorate, and in accordance with state law, every district that places a measure on a ballot is responsible for appointing committees to write voters’ guide arguments both for and against the proposition. If a district is unable to appoint committees, that responsibility falls to the County Auditor. 
 
The San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 (San Juan) approved sending Resolution 25-616 to voters. If approved, this measure would authorize a regular property tax levy of $0.71 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, and the resulting levy dollar amount would thereafter be used for the purpose of computing the limitations of subsequent levies under RCW 84.55.050. The measure needs an argument against it

The Orcas Island School District No. 137 approved sending Resolution 2025-04 to voters. If approved, this measure would authorize the District to levy taxes for six years to improve the OISD campus site and safety (reconfiguring, expanding, and paving driveways, parking areas, and walkways; installing LED lighting; adding a shotput/discus competition area). The measure needs an argument against it. 

The Orcas Island School District No. 137 approved sending Resolution 2025-05 to voters. If approved, this measure would authorize the District to levy taxes for three years to fund the District’s educational programs and services, which are not funded or not fully funded by the State. The measure needs an argument against it.

The San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2 approved sending Resolution 2025-02 to voters. If approved, this measure would issue one or more series of general obligation bonds maturing within 20 years in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $18,500,000 to refurbish and purchase ambulances, fire engines, tenders, and trucks, and to improve fire stations and facilities; and to levy annual excess property taxes to repay the bonds. The measure needs arguments for and against it.

The San Juan County Council approved sending Resolution 25-2025 to voters.  If approved, a park and recreation district would be formed with a boundary of the entirety of Lopez Island with the objective of providing leisure time activities and facilities and recreational facilities of a nonprofit nature to be governed by five commissioners elected from Lopez Island. The measure needs an argument against it.

The Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District approved Resolution 2025-02 to voters. If approved, this measure would authorize the District to collect $210,000 by a levy of excess taxes upon all taxable property within the District in an amount estimated to be $.094 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation for collection in year one — 2026 — for the purpose of funding increased operational costs and capital improvements of the District. The measure needs an argument for and against it.

The full resolutions for the districts can be found at sanjuancountywa.gov/Current-Election.

If you are interested in writing an argument for or against any measure, please contact the Auditor at elelctions@sanjuancountywa.gov or (360) 378-3357. Up to three people may be named as argument writers, though they may seek the assistance of as many people as needed. Statements are limited to 250 words and are due by August 18, 4:30 PM.

About the San Juan County Auditor’s Office 

The San Juan County Auditor’s Office is responsible for financial reporting and budgeting for the County, overseeing elections, processing licenses, and more. The Elections department’s main office is located at 55 Second St., Ste. A, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Elections Office, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/elections or email elections@sanjuancountywa.gov.