||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||
San Juan County is proud to present the organization’s 2024 Year-In-Review, highlighting accomplishments, notable projects, and the breadth of programs and services provided to island communities. The public is encouraged to access the document on the County website by visiting the San Juan County Newsroom at: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
New Year Brings New Vessel Distance Regulations for Southern Resident Killer Whales
As of January 1, 2025, new distance regulations are in effect to better protect the highly endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) in Washington State waters. Boaters are now required to stay at least 1,000 yards away from these whales and disengage engines if Southern Resident Killer Whales approach within 400 yards. Additionally, vessels must reduce their speed to under 7 knots within a half mile of any killer whale in the transboundary waters. Visit our website https://www.sjcmrc.org/other-
Attention San Juan County Businesses: Sales Tax Increase Effective April 1, 2025
San Juan County’s Treasurer’s Office is providing notice to local businesses of an upcoming increase to sales tax in San Juan County. A 1/10th of 1% sales tax will be enacted on April 1, 2025, to support a new Cultural Access Program. https://www.sanjuancountywa.
Council Reviews Major Initiatives and Priorities for 2025 at Two-Day Retreat
San Juan County Council completed a two-day retreat where they reviewed significant projects from 2024 and began setting priorities for 2025. Main topics included preparing for the new biennium budget process, reengaging in lobbying efforts in Olympia, and moving key infrastructure and planning projects forward.
During the meeting, Councilmember Kari McVeigh was elected Council Chair and Jane Fuller was elected Vice Chair. The Council adopted the 2025 Council meeting calendar that will be available on the Civic Clerk section of the website. Other housekeeping items included assigning board, committee, and commission liaison roles, all of which will be listed on the associated board pages.
Community Meeting Recap: Bayhead Creek Culvert Repair Project on Killebrew Lake Rd on Orcas Island
San Juan County held a community meeting on Orcas Island and online January 9, 2025, to discuss the replacement of the culvert on Bayhead Creek under Killebrew Lake Road. Approximately 40 community members joined the meeting where County staff provided an update on the current status of the project, next steps, and answered questions from the community.
The County is currently finalizing the design plans and specs with the engineer of record to put the project out to bid before the end of January. Conditions of the scope will include a maximum road closure window of 9 days and that both construction options are addressed in the contractor’s bid. The County will also continue to meet with the Fire Marshall and Sheriff to ensure a robust emergency services plan is in place during road closure.
View project details, download the presentation, and watch the video from the community meeting at https://engage.
San Juan County Health & Community Services Begins Update of Its Five-Year Homeless Plan
Beginning this January, San Juan County Health & Community Services will convene a homeless housing task force to update the County’s Five-Year Homeless Plan. Initially adopted in 2019, the updated plan will follow Washington State Department of Commerce guidelines for 2025-2030. The County plans to adopt this updated plan by December 2025.
Purchasing, Selling, and Renovating – What’s Next for County Buildings and Facilities?
Over the last few years, the County has been exploring how to invest in the infrastructure needs of future generations. Aged buildings, dispersed offices, and seismic deficiencies require creative solutions that support County operations and provide for community use. As the County continues its planning efforts, it’s helpful to review significant updates from 2024 and anticipated projects for 2025.
- During 2024, the County took steps to protect the historic courthouse in Friday Harbor after a 2022 study deemed the building “structurally deficient.” The County sought grant funding from the State Legislature to secure this valuable piece of local history and perform necessary seismic upgrades.
- The County purchased and sold multiple properties in 2024 in an effort to plan for staffing needs on various islands, including:
- Purchasing a building in Friday Harbor (the former Banner Bank building on Park Street) to serve as office space for various departments.
- The County sold its 49% share of the Orcas Island Senior Center to facilitate the non-profit’s growth.
- The County purchased a building on Fern Street in Eastsound to host County staff formerly located at the Senior Center building.
- Public Works purchased approximately 16 acres along Neck Point Road to support operations on Shaw Island.
Looking ahead, the County anticipates continuing to seek funding for historic courthouse updates, focusing on deferred maintenance projects, and moving staff into recently acquired buildings.
Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-
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