LWVSJ Observer Corps: County Council March 31, 2025

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

During public comment eight residents gave input on the climate element of the comprehensive plan. One welcomed wildfire planning. One bidder on emergency interisland passenger service spoke about his bid. An attorney expressed concern about a lack of transparency and response to questions about the proposed public works facility on Shaw Island.

The Conservation District gave a presentation on the updated County Wildfire Protection Plan drafted with input from 20 agencies and partners. The draft is now out for public input on the Engage site. While 78% of dwellings are in forest areas, the overall risk of wildfire in the county is low, with grasslands presenting the highest risk. The plan has a lot of focus on removing excessive fuel in overstocked forest land.

The council approved a letter of support for an Orcas project Congressional funding request. The council supported moving forward to leasing a part of a county-owned gravel pit to a private contractor on Waldron Island to address residents’ request to source gravel locally. Council member Fuller informed the councilors that Governor Ferguson would visit the county on July 14 with a focus on ferry services issues.

In the legislative update the council heard the operating budget is taking shape, but house and senate versions of the transportation budget are far apart. The tax system should become more progressive. They plan to shift 3% of revenues from the operating budget to transportation to fund culvert projects. The bills lifting the 1% property tax cap and allowing solar arrays on landfills are still alive. Money for San Juan ferry asks are in the budget, but the senate amendment could suspend ferry advisory committees.

Community development staff reviewed the housing and capital facilities elements of the comp plan; both have been out for public review since February. The housing element will look at permitting and code barriers, allow tiny home communities, perhaps pre-approved plans. The capital facilities element covering solid waste, community water and sewage facilities, plus schools, parks, libraries, ports and government facilities has minor updates.

The climate element of the comp plan focuses on climate resiliency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is affecting water supply, sewer and stormwater systems, roads and marine facilities, increasing wildfire risk. Developing local energy supply will be important and thus removing barriers to alternate energy production. The county has received 843 responses giving feedback about the climate element. The full report is on the Engage site.

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.