||| FROM NECIA QUAST for LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS |||
The new director of the Department of Community Development, Sev Jones, introduced himself. A graduate of WWU he has worked in Alaska, Idaho and Eastern Washington. The county proclaimed Hispanic Heritage Month.
The council continued a public hearing until October 6 for granting a utility franchise to the Hannah Heights Owners Association (HHOA) for water facilities on county rights-of way to get input from the Health and Human Services Department on concerns expressed at the hearing by property owners along Bailer Hill Road about the potential impairment of their water supply by proposed wells. The Council urged the HHOA and Bailer Hill neighbors to maintain good communication.
The auditor and budget analyst laid out preliminary information on the upcoming 2026-2027 biennium budget and the challenges the county faces given flat revenue and growing expenses. While cash reserves are projected to be $8 million at year end, that will not be enough to cover projected shortfalls and meet reserve requirements. The Budget Committee will present a draft budget on October 7.
The council approved the Conservation District increasing its levy to $25 per parcel as allowed under new state law to support services with solid waiting lists. The council set a public hearing for October 21 for the Transportation Improvement Plan and the Annual Construction Program. The council was briefed on the Historic Preservation Grants program which will open to proposals this fall. The council reviewed the Criminal Justice Treatment Account Plan that provides funds for substance abuse treatment through the courts. The council approved plans to restart efforts to review and coordinate the 33 county boards, committees and commissions. The council cancelled the September 29 and 30 meetings. The council approved home fund grants to the Lopez Home Trust, Opal on Orcas and The SJI Home Trust totaling $2.4 million, leaving $1.2 million in the home fund. The council approved the Argyle Project applying for a CHIPS grant.
The council reviewed the schedule for approving the comprehensive plan update and planned updates to the Critical Areas Ordinance and the development code. The council reviewed the top state legislative priorities including capital requests for marine infrastructure and proposals for taxing vacation rentals to support affordable housing.
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.
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