LWVSJ Observer Corps | County Council December 16, 2025

||| FROM NECIA QUAST for LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS |||

The council met the Land Bank’s Beaverton Trail project manager, Rachel Dietzman. They approved an engagement letter to tribes for the Climate Action Plan. They approved the third set of amendments to the 2025 budget. They approved another bid round for the sale of surplus gravel on Waldron Island. The council set a public hearing for February 10 on conveying a well and utility easement on a Land Bank property on Orcas. The council approved allocating $12k for cold weather shelter programs and asked the Housing Advisory Committee to recommend the allocation of filing fee funds between rental assistance and shelters.

Communications Director Erin Andrews presented the two-year report on the impact of the 32-hour work week. The change was made to address county budget constraints in meeting prevailing wage rates and has saved the county nearly $2 million. It reduced staff turnover and sick leave use. Open positions have attracted more local and non-local applicants, reducing the time to fill vacancies. Hours worked were reduced 13%, while showing satisfactory levels on performance indicators. Most employees cited improved work satisfaction, but exempt employees, including most managerial staff, reported it had increased their workloads. A working group is addressing these challenges. There is a lot of outside interest in how it works here. The report link. 

The council discussed county participation in activities for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, dubbed America 250. The council agreed to a 2026 Fair theme in line with the event, to prepare a proclamation that reflects the county charter, and to have programming on a Day of Civic Engagement on September 17. They declined to partner with the America 250 state commission.

The council reviewed fifteen docket requests and removed twelve from the approved work list. Council will decide on the remaining three at the county retreat. Most of the requests removed are or will be addressed as part of other ongoing updates. Requested reviews for the Eastsound and Lopez Village sub-area plans will be scheduled after a planned 2026 Code Review including use tables. Interested parties should send specific code issues to codeupdate@sanjuancountywa.gov. The Council agreed going forward to add only items to the docket work list for which there would be staff capacity to do in 12-18 months.

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