LWVSJ Observer Corps | San Juan County Council, October 27, 2026

||| FROM LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS SAN JUAN |||

The San Juan County Council convened at the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Center. After presentation by Facilities Director Greg Sawyer, the Council voted to set a public hearing for November 24, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., to consider a Resolution Authorizing Direct Sale of Real Property at 520 Spring Street on San Juan Island to Compass Health, extending the sale deadlines.

Trillium Swanson, the Community Health Network (CHN) Project Manager for the Orcas Island Health Care District and Ellen Wilcox, the Deputy Director, Department of Health & Community Services, described how CHN coordinates funding procurement for health access projects and infrastructure for the benefit of county residents who cannot afford
healthcare.

Dr. Molly Foote, Budget Analyst, following her presentation of third quarter budget data, concluded year-to-date revenues generally exceed expenses and accord with budgets. Colin Huntemer, Director of Public Works, reviewed San Juan County’s 12 primary docks, piers, landings, and other commercial and recreational marine infrastructure, many serving islands without ferries. They all have an estimated 30 year service life, although many are in service years longer with constant deterioration due to storm and sea exposure, and need rebuilding to higher standards. Huntemer concluded countytransportation funds are insufficient to pay for needed marine maintenance while grants and state appropriations are inadequate and unstable. Councilmember Paulson observed San Juan County has the lowest property tax rate in Washington state.

The Council set a public hearing for November 24, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., to consider two other matters: Repealing Ordinance 05-2026 regarding the Siting of an Essential Public Facility for San Juan County Operations on Shaw Island; and an Ordinance Regarding the 2026 Annual Docket and Site-Specific Re-Designation Requests LANDUSE-26-0028 (Lopez) and LANDUSE-26-0050 (San Juan).

For more detailed documents, go to sanjuancountywa.gov/County-Council

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.