LWVSJ Observer Corps | San Juan County Council 9/22/26

||| FROM BARBARA SHARP for LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS |||

The County Council approved a Joint Letter to Washington State Ferries supporting the System’s long-range planning. The council appointed applicants to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District.

After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a lease to the San Juan Island School District for school bus parking.

Human Resources director Matthew Bullock updated council members on the county’s efforts to foster a more inclusive, equitable and supportive workplace culture. Behavioral Health Program Coordinator Richard Uri discussed the county’s Human Services Transportation Plan to improve transportation access for individuals with special mobility needs. Council Chair Paulsen called the Plan “easily readable and
digestible, … one of the best reports I’ve ever seen.” The link is here, at page 163.

Planner Colin Maycock discussed the Critical Areas Ordinance update. There is an online information meeting on September 30; public comments are due October 9; a Planning Commission hearing is October 16 and a council discussion October 27. The final public hearing is November 24. Find the Staff memo here at page 229.

Deputy County Manager Tillery Williams reviewed the projects and priorities comprising the 2027-2033 Capital Improvement Plan which includes transportation and environment projects and improvements proposed by the county’s Capital Committee.

None may be adopted without a public hearing. The projects are here at page 259. Budget Analyst Dr. Molly Foote discussed the efforts undertaken to bring the proposed 2027 County budget into balance. The balanced 2027 Preliminary Budget is found here.

County Manager Jessica Hudson then continued her discussion of limited tax raising options and a list of $3.8 million in possible budget cuts. “Nothing is off the table” for the budget cut discussion, said Chair Paulson, “we’re still looking for more” cuts. The final budget public hearing will be October 5 at 9 am.

The Council concluded the meeting with an executive session pertaining to collective bargaining.

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