||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||
Council Reviews Major Initiatives and Priorities for 2026 at Two-Day Retreat
This January, the San Juan County Council completed a two-day retreat where they reviewed significant projects from 2025 and began setting priorities for 2026. Main topics included ongoing budget discussions, lobbying efforts in Olympia, and upcoming projects across multiple departments.
Justin Paulsen was elected Council Chair and Kari McVeigh was elected Vice Chair. The retreat included a review of major initiatives, including code work priorities and lobbying efforts in Olympia. Budget discussions continued and Council began exploring other revenue options, including a levy lid lift.
The discussion of a possible levy lid lift in 2026 will be ongoing. The Council reviewed previously approved levies and the programs that benefited from prior funding. The Council then asked staff to provide information on the level of increased funding needed to maintain County services supported by the Current Expense Fund. Discussions will continue at upcoming Council meetings, and the public is invited to attend in person or online.
Other retreat topics included the Capital Improvement Plan and Public Defense standards, permitting and code enforcement, Land Bank projects, and an update on a new financial management system. The Council expressed interest in long-term capital planning, as the County owns several buildings that could benefit from maintenance projects. Learn more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
February 10, 2026, Special Election: Vote! Sign! Send!
The San Juan County Elections Office has mailed ballots to all voters living in the San Juan Island School District No. 149 for the February 10 Special Election. The February Special includes a ballot measure for the San Juan Island School District No. 149. The measure is concerning a replacement enrichment levy. This proposition authorizes the District to levy the following excess taxes on all taxable property within the District to support the District’s educational programs and operational expenses, including instruction, special education, and operational expenses. Plan your vote and read the February Special Voters’ Guide.
Eligible voters who have not received a ballot by January 28 should call the elections office at 360-378-3357 to request a replacement. Replacement ballots can also be requested by email at elections@sanjuancountywa.gov or accessed electronically at VoteWA.gov.
Final Report Available for County’s Marine Transport Services Pilot Project
One of the most notable initiatives from 2025 was the County’s 10-week Marine Transportation Pilot Project. The final report is now available to the public and outlines the impact of services including emergency barge and foot-passenger transportation during significant and impactful disruptions to Washington State Ferry (WSF) service as well as daily travel to and from the mainland (Anacortes) throughout 2023 and 2024. View the report here: https://sanjuancountywa.
Protect Yourself in the New Year: Respiratory Illness Reminders
We are expecting a severe flu season this year. It is important to remember that no matter which strains of flu circulate here, the current flu vaccine covers several strains and still offers the best protection from developing serious illness and hospitalization.
Other advice: Stay home when you are sick, consider masking when out in public, and take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. Of course, the standard advice still applies: Cover your cough or sneeze, wash your hands regularly, and clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses.
Learn more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
Early Bird Registration Now Open for the 2026 San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit
Early Bird Registration is now open for the 14th Annual San Juan Islands Agricultural Summit, taking place on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28, 2026, on San Juan Island. Farmers, food producers, land stewards, and community members from across the islands and beyond are invited to gather for two days of learning, connection, and collaboration. Learn more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
County Discusses Upcoming Road Maintenance on Shaw Island at Recent Community Meeting
To kick off the new year, San Juan County officials hosted a community meeting for Shaw Islanders to discuss Public Works Road Maintenance projects. The meeting was held online on Thursday, January 15, from 11:00 a.m. to noon and over forty community members joined. A recording of the meeting is available here: Community Meeting: Future of Public Works Road Maintenance on Shaw Island 1/15/26
2026 Community Dental Clinic Dates Announced
San Juan County Health & Community Services is excited to announce the dates for the 2026 Community Dental Clinics on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. Community Dental Clinics serve people on Medicaid or those who do not have dental insurance and cannot afford dental care.
Lopez Island: January 28, February 25, March 25, April 22, May 27, June 24
Orcas Island: January: 15, 16 ; February: 5, 6, 19, 20 ; March: 5, 6, 19, 20 ; April: 2, 3, 16, 17 ; May: 7, 8, 21, 22 ; June: 4, 5, 18, 19 ; July: 16, 17 ; August: 6, 7, 20, 21 September: 3, 4 (TBD), 17, 18; October: 1, 2, 15, 16 ; November: 5, 6, 19, 20 ; December: 3, 4, 17, 18
San Juan Island: January 23, April 3, July 10, November 20
New in 2026: In addition to the quarterly clinics, we are offering Community Dental Clinics with DentALL on the first Monday of the month: January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7
Learn more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
San Juan County Resident Camping Reservations Open February 24 – Set Up Your Account Now!
On Tuesday, February 24, at 9:00 am through Thursday, February 26 at 4:00 pm, reservations will be available online to San Juan County residents. This is a three-day window, prior to our reservation website opening to the public on Tuesday, March 3 at 9:00 am. Please go directly to our reservation system at http://sanjuancountywa.
Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-
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