Important Council Discussions & Decisions Now

Council’s work may be observed via videoconference and internet

This week, the San Juan County Council will hold important discussions and public hearings to inform their decisions on the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) update and the County budget for 2012, as well as adjustments to the County’s 2011  budget. Several of the meetings will be videoconferenced, in order that county residents from Orcas and Lopez Islands may participate. The videoconferences will take place from the public libraries on Orcas and Lopez Islands.  The meetings will be held in person in Friday Harbor, at the Legislative Conference room at 55 Second Street.

On Monday, Nov. 28, beginning at 9 a.m.  the Council will hold a “conversation” about the CAO. This meeting will be videoconferenced. Adjournment time is yet to be determined.

On Tuesday, Nov. 29, the Council will hold its regular meeting, beginning with a closed session. At 10 a.m. the public session will begin; it will be available on videoconferencing then. Public hearings to consider ordinances for setting levies, fees, charges and annual 2012 budget and appropriations are scheduled:

1. Property Tax Levy for Current Expense for 2012
2. Property Tax Levy for Land Conservation Futures for 2012
3. Property Tax Levy for County Roads for 2012
4. Certain Fees and Charges for 2012
5. Annual Budget for the Year 2012 and Setting Forth the Estimated Revenues and Appropriations

Pete Rose, County Administrator Pete Rose will present all these subjects.

The videoconferences are scheduled to conclude at 11:30 a.m. Council proceedings may be viewed via television and internet streaming at https://sanjuanco.com/council/video.aspx

County Auditor Milene Henley will lead the discussion regarding amendments to the current year (2011) budget to provide

1. Supplemental Appropriations
2. Emergency Appropriations

Following a lunch recess, the Council will reconvene to consider 2012 Pay and Benefits for County employees, and a discussion of the Solid Waste Program, led by Frank Mulcahy, Public Works Director and Ed Hale, Utilities Manager.

Council Members will then update on their specific areas of concern:

• Legislative Priorities: Lovel Pratt
• Ferries/FAC/Intermodal:  Howie Rosenfeld
• Budget Subcommittee:   Richard Fralick
• General Government Subcommittee:  Rich Peterson
• Solid Waste Subcommittee: Patty Miller

Council meeting minutes up to Nov. 1, 2011 are available at https://sanjuanco.com/council/mainindex.aspx