LWVSJ Observer Corps*: County Council November 28, 2023

During public comment one citizen urged the county to develop stock pre-approved housing plans to speed up and simplify owner-builders meeting code. A citizen from Orcas urged the Council make chip-sealing Dolphin Bay Road a priority on the annual construction plan. One citizen proposed using funds for moorage and navigation aids. One citizen requested the removal of a confusing county sign.

After a public hearing the county approved emergency and supplemental amendments to the 2023 budget of $1.3 million. The Council continued hearings to December 5 on the 2024-2025 biennial budget and the 2024, 2025, and Six-Year Capital Improvements Plans, which have been updated but are not yet final. The updated status quo budget brings the 2024 budget numbers for the general fund into compliance with code. The auditor recommended that action on decisions packets for 2024 be held and revisited in January after the final numbers for 2023 are available. The Council reviewed and developed initial consensus on decisions packets financed from other funds.

The Council approved the amended 6-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Annual Construction Program (ACP) and included Dolphin Bay chip seal on the ACP. They passed the ordinance setting the 2024 Roads Levy and struck the language in the code setting aside $30k annually from the road fund for marine moorage and navigation until they develop a policy and projects for spending the funds already accumulated.

Deputy PA John Cains briefed the Council on the history and current code around the Lodging Tax which can be used to fund tourism promotion, the acquisition and operation of tourist facilities and the promotion of events and festivals to attract tourists. The Council approved a one-year extension of the agreement with

the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, with the intent to issue a request for proposals for a long-term contract in 2024.

The Council also extended the term for two existing grants to the Lopez Island Pool project and for the Eastsound Parking study. As was the case for the recent extension with the SJI historical museum the extensions were due to permitting delays with the projects.

The Council held a preliminary discussion of the grants recommended by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and will approve grants after mid-December.

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