This column is part of a series detailing San Juan County’s recent news. Follow along each month to learn about important County projects, Council initiatives, department updates, and more.
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS
Maintaining Health, Safety & Community Services: Council Places Levy Lid Lift on April Ballot
San Juan County is seeking a regular property tax levy lid lift to maintain public health, safety, and other community services in April. This levy would support ongoing programs and services funded by the County general budget such as public health and senior services, public safety and victim services, emergency management and the Islands’ Oil Spill Association, County parks and Fair operations, 4-H and marine protection work, and other public services provided by San Juan County.
The levy would reset the property tax rate for the County general budget to $0.85 per $1,000 of assessed value – the same rate voters approved in 2019. According to the Assessor’s Office data, the median assessed property value in San Juan County is $850,000. If the levy passes, the average homeowner would pay about $22 more per month to maintain public health, safety, and other community services.
Read more about the proposed lid lift: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
San Juan County Health & Community Services Publishes Its 2025 Impact Report
San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services has released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting the programs, services, and partnerships that supported the health and well-being of islanders across the county over the past year. The report includes data and program highlights from across the department’s work, including: 577 total immunizations administered, $444,000 worth of dental care provided to 577 patients in partnership with local organizations, 38,078 meals produced through the Senior Nutrition program, and $2.4 million awarded from the SJC Home Fund for new housing projects.
Read more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
Community Meeting on April 6: Review the Critical Areas Ordinance Update
San Juan County is updating its critical areas protections, also referred to as the Critical Areas Ordinance or CAO, and the public is invited to comment on the first draft. An online community meeting on April 6 from 6-8pm will be an opportunity to provide feedback and review the documents. Get the meeting link and see the documents here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
This March, ‘Spring’ into a New Role – Multiple County Advisory Board & Committee Seats Open
San Juan County is seeking volunteers to serve on various boards and committees that help shape daily life in the San Juan Islands. Key positions on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Agricultural Resources Committee, Ferry Advisory Committee, Parks and Rec Commission, and other boards are open. Are you interested in participating in local government and sharing your skills? See if one of the vacant positions is right for you! View all board and committee vacancies here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
Spring 2026 Great Islands Clean-Up: Our Power, Our Planet
When islanders work together, small actions add up to big impact. This spring, the community is invited to take part in the 2026 Spring Great Islands Clean-Up on Saturday, April 18. Each year, hundreds of volunteers come together to care for the places we love. Every piece of litter removed helps keep plastics out of local waterways, protects wildlife, and keeps shorelines healthy for future generations. For clean-up locations and how to get involved, visit Events Archive – Plastic Free Salish Sea.
County Pursues New State Grant & Congressional Funding to Support Public Safety & Infrastructure
As San Juan County continues to manage budget constraints in 2026 and 2027, pursuing new State grants and congressional funding are key tools to help maintain public services and infrastructure. This spring, the County is seeking grant funding from a new source – a Local Law Enforcement Grant Program administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Additionally, the Council is applying for two congressional earmark funding packages to support marine infrastructure projects at the Orcas Landing and Hunter Bay on Lopez Island. Read more: County Pursues New State Grant & Congressional Funding to Support Public Safety & Infrastructure • San Juan County, WA.
Did You Know? San Juan County Processes Passport Applications at the Courthouse
The San Juan County Clerk’s Office is a sub-agent for the Seattle Passport Agency. This means that your local Clerk’s Office can process applications for new adult passports, children’s passports, or to renew passports that have expired beyond 5 years. You can access passport services online or via County offices at 350 Court Street. Applications are processed every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 9am and 4 pm, by appointment. You can schedule appointments by calling the Clerk’s office at 360-378-2163. Learn more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-
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