LWVSJ Observer Corps summary of San Juan County Council October 6, 2025 meeting.
The council cancelled a public hearing on the San Juan County Department Budgets for the 2026-2027 biennial budget scheduled for October 7 and rescheduled it on December 1 at 9:15 along with a public hearing on the 2026-2031 Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan.
At the continued public hearing on granting a franchise to the Hannah’s Heights Owner Association (HHOA) to allow use of public road rights-of-way, county staff clarified that State Department of Health has oversight for the HHOA water system, and the State Department of Ecology (DOE) has oversight of water rights. The HHOA president and a board member said they had a constructive meeting with neighbors of the Bailer Hill Road property and that the DOE would meet with neighbors on October 20 on the water rights issues. The neighbors have senior water rights. The DOE process on the Hannah Heights project will include a 30-day public comment period. The council approved the resolution granting the franchise.
The council set a public hearing for November 4 on a resolution updating dog licensing fees. Most of the fees go to the animal protection organizations on San Juan, Orcas and Lopez. About 1200 dogs are licensed in the county. The update will include an option to renew licenses online and to do outreach to improve compliance.
The Visitors Bureau presented their work this year and data on the 2025 summer season. They asked that the county move the lodging tax process earlier in the year to provide a funding decision by October; to return to multiyear contracts and a set revenue formula to allow for the Bureau to do better planning.
Ryan Page, Housing Coordinator, presented the county's draft Five-Year Homeless Plan for 2025-2030. The county homeless numbers are stable in the 120 -150 range. The plan includes prevention, services, and policy tweaks to support more housing. The council set a public hearing for the final plan for December 9.
The Environmental Stewardship Department asked the council for directions in reviewing and possibly adjusting the solid waste excise tax for SJI. The council asked for a report on how the excise tax is currently distributed and used. An issue on how revenue is shared needs clarification and consultation with the Lopez Solid Waste District managing board.
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.