LWVSJ Observer Corps Notes | San Juan County Council April 22, 2025

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

The council proclaimed May 1 Law Day and the month of May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. A new parks and fair employee, the new Human Resources Director, two new assessors and a new superior court employee were introduced and welcomed to the county team. The council set a May 20 public hearing to set a percentage of PFFAP funding for the Economic Development Commission. They approved a resolution to update the attorney fee schedule for hiring outside counsel, in line with neighboring counties. The council approved a letter of support for federal funding of the Puget Sound Partnership.

During public comment, an Orcas resident said that a recently passed ordinance on Eastsound vacation rental permits as approved differed materially from the version published beforehand, so that he had not been able to comment on the elements of the ordinance as passed. He asked for another publication, comment period and approval.

The budget analyst reviewed the budget amendments that will be presented at a public hearing for approval on May 13. Under the proposed amendments the beginning cash balance will increase by about $1 million; emergency and supplemental appropriations will add $26,580k to expenses. She reviewed first quarter budget performance. Revenue was about $19.1 million or 21.3% of the annual budget and expenses were $17.3 million running at 17.5% of budget. General fund revenue was $5.3 million, and spending was $6.82 million. That is normal for the first quarter when large annual transfers are made from the general fund. Interest income and planning and permit income were above budget projections, while tax revenue was running somewhat behind projections, especially for REET. The second quarter will provide a better picture for property tax revenue for the year, while sales tax and lodging tax bear watching in the second half given tourism impacts.

The County Communications Coordinator provided an update on the Language Access Program. This program includes developing a plan, issuing notices about language access accommodations, providing translation and interpretation services, and establishing a feedback mechanism. The courts have had a program since 2011 which is a model, and both public works and the county health department have programs in place. The plan will extend the practices to all county functions.

The Department of Community Development laid out its timeline for public participation in the update of Critical Areas Protection, which is due February 2026. After initial public input draft regulations will be posted for further public comment before final versions are published in advance of a public hearing and county approval.

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.