LWVSJ Observer Corps Notes | San Juan County Council December 9, 2025

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

The Council convened as the governing body of the Lopez Solid Waste District and approved the 2026 budget up 4.8% from 2025. The budget included increased tipping fees to cover higher costs for electricity, fuel and Skagit tipping fees.

After public hearings the Council approved authorizing the Development Agreement for the Argyle Lots Property on SJI and adopted a Five-Year Homeless Plan. Two residents made comments supporting the implementation of a Host Home program for homeless teens in the county, which was included in the plan.

After a public hearing, in which comments were made about the Roche Harbor Master Plan Amendment, the Eastsound Urban Growth Area expansion, and the about including renewable energy generation and storage projects as essential public facilities, the council approved the Comprehensive Plan update with an effective date of March 13. They excluded the proposed expansion of the Roche Harbor masterplan 2-1, with Paulsen opposing. After a public hearing with no public comments made, the council approved the 2026 annual Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and the Six-Year CIP from 2026-2031. In a public hearing on the 2026 budget, three residents opposed contracting for work previously performed by unionized employees. After deciding to retain a facilities position and restore the electronic monitoring program, the council passed a one-year 2026 county budget.

The council reviewed the proposed budget amendments for the 2025 budget and set a public hearing for the following week. They approved the Criminal Justice Treatment Account plan for 2026-2027. They established a Cultural Access Review Board. The Parks and Fair Directors said the program planned to open for applications in January 2026. A notice will be issued for residents to apply for positions on the five-member board. The council approved awards for the 2025 historical preservation grant program recommended by the review committee. At the county manager’s request and with the passage of the 2026 budget, the council agreed to lift the hiring freeze on filling county positions.

The council discussed the many problems occurring with the current ferry service disruptions and how to improve communication with WSF and to both get and provide timely information and give input.

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.