Thank you for reading my newsletter for the 15th week of 2026.
- Representative Rick Larsen has requested $77,113,331 for twenty 10th legislative district projects in the Fiscal Year 2027 spending bills—and two of those projects are for Island County public safety needs. The Board of Island County Commissioners is extremely grateful to Rep. Larsen for making our safety one of his priorities.
- Island County Sheriff Radio Upgrade Project: The funding will upgrade their aging handheld and mobile radios, allowing the radios to be interoperable with other federal, state and local radio systems. ($1,459,405)
- Island County Emergency Power Resiliency: The funding will purchase and install new emergency generators and associated infrastructure for county government offices, preventing disruptions to essential county operations during power outages. ($1,031,250)
- Because so many of our citizens and NASWI families use Island Health in Anacortes, I also wanted to let you know about this project in Rep. Larsen’s list: Island Health Obstetrics Surgical Expansion Project: The funding will add equipment for a new operating suite dedicated to obstetrics and upgrade the existing surgical suite at Island Hospital, improving the hospital’s maternal and neonatal health capabilities, especially for rural communities and military families. ($2,715,000)
- Full press release here: https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4148
- The Regular Session of the Board of Island County Commissioners was held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026; video recording here: https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/a4791774-3709-497d-9e8c-8fd03fbc5ac7.
- We heard three public comments: one individual lauded the heroic history of NASWI sailors; one person spoke of past septic studies for Freeland; and one commented that he was glad we now had a new Emergency Management Director (DEM Director Justin Ross started this week).
- We held a vote on the bids received for Official County Legal Newspaper (required under RCW) and awarded this to the Whidbey News Times for 2026.
- We had a spirited discussion about providing a code variance to a local business that has received this same variance for ten years. On a 2-1 vote we decided to provide the variance again for a single project and made it clear that this was the last time; the code will be reviewed in 2027 to see if it should be changed (the code is 30 years old and technology has changed in that time). Mark 00:12:53 in the recording.
- Four individuals commented during the public hearing on renewing and extending the building moratorium in the mixed-use RAID zones. Three were opposed to the extension; one was in favor. The Commissioners were united in not favoring an extension but recognizing the necessity; the extension passed 2-1. Mark 00:34:27 in the recording.
- We held three public hearings on franchises, two septic and one water; all were approved. During the last public hearing we held a good conversation on the controversial new water franchise application. That discussion can be found at mark 01:27:02 in the recording.
- During Commissioners Comments on Tuesday I spoke my feelings about the threats made that day to destroy an ancient civilization. Mark 01:44:47 in the recording.
- The agenda for the Tuesday April 14 meeting is here: https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/6e620236-42c2-43f0-8351-5f9e4c6003e8. On that agenda: the two public hearings shown below.
- Tentative Upcoming Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Public Hearings (held during board meetings, beginning at 10 am, unless otherwise noted):
- Tuesday April 14: Homeless Housing Plan
- Tuesday April 14: Cool Road OSS Franchise
- Tuesday April 21: 2025 Budget Amendment
- Tuesday April 21: Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Amendment
- Tuesday, April 28: Linkatoon Franchise
- Tuesday, April 28: Brentwood Franchise
- Tuesday, May 5: St. Peter Franchise
- Tuesday, May 5: Hellum Franchise
- Tuesday, May 19: Procurement
- Tuesday, May 19: Amending Record of Proceedings code
- Tuesday, May 12: Curbside Recycling
- Tuesday, June 2: SE Camano Franchise
- Tuesday, June 2: Olympic Marine Franchise
- Tuesday, June 2: Higgins Franchise
- Tuesday, June 9: Private/commercial dog kennels
- Tuesday, June 9: Potentially dangerous dogs
- This is the agenda for the April 8 Work Session: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-1150. This is the recording: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13824/04082026-WS-Audio. Reminder: you’ll need to download the recording if you want to scroll to the places I mark below.
- First item on the agenda: we are going to update our phone system because new phone replacements are no longer available without going to Ebay or similar. I mention that administrative matter here because I think it’s a good example of how frugal Island County government is in our use of your tax dollars.
- Public Health brought the annual Surface Water Quality Report, mark 0:13:45 in the recording. The presentation can be found beginning on page 14 of the agenda; a summary of the report data starts on page 9 (the full report itself is not yet available to the public; I’ll pass on the link to you when I get it).
- Planning and Community Development brought a draft of their implementation plan for the Comprehensive Plan. This is the first time the County has ever prepared such an implementation plan to ensure that the goals of our Comprehensive Plan become adopted. The discussion on this begins at mark 1:01;12 in the recording; the draft can be found beginning on page 35 of the agenda. The commissioners made a few suggestions and another draft will be provided in the weeks to come.
- Public Works brought 4 items: a new franchise; the 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP); a request for Pre-Award Approval RCED funds for Keystone Preserve turn-in lane work; and the Forest Resilience Review recently completed by Washington State Department of Natural Resource on Putney Woods, Kettles, Rhododendron, and Camano Ridge (used to justify CIP budget items of $300,000 in 2027 and in 2028 for county forest management).
- There was quite a bit of discussion on the CIP, including the Board’s unwillingness to have the work scheduled for the Cornet Bay dock moved from 2027 to 2028. The CIP discussion begins at mark 2:01:47 in the recording; the CIP draft can be found beginning on page 44 of the agenda.
- The Board did not discuss the Keystone Preserve or Forest Resilience Review projects—we are all familiar with and in favor of them both and instructed Public Works to move forward on both items.
- The Board discussed the distribution of Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) funds. We will not be providing any funds to for-profit businesses, even if they do bring in tourists. We will continue to reserve 30% of the funds for Chambers of Commerce. Discussion begins at mark 2:58:54 in the recording.
- This is the agenda for the April 15 work session: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04152026-1154. On that agenda: ordinance to bring code in alignment with other code sections and pertinent RCWs regarding records of proceedings for Board of County Commissioner meetings; discussion of additional add-on functionality to the County website to enhance ADA user experience; establishing fees for Private Kennels and Commercial Kennels; a new code to define what constitutes a potentially dangerous dog, the legal procedures for determining such a classification, and the conditions under which a dog may be declared potentially dangerous; discussion of 2026 Sheriff’s Department budget; discussion of staffing issues in the Coroner’s Office; contract extension with Liz Loomis Public Affairs to bring Island County into the second phase of the three-phase communications plan for the Correction and Rehabilitation Center Project; update on Conservation Futures Fund program applications; a contract to update the Island County On-Site Septic Code and Local Management Plan; a Public Works memorandum requesting authorization for designated staff to execute grant agreement amendments and related documents; update on the 2025 Permit timelines and staffing; contract with Island Roots Housing to purchase property for affordable housing development; Facilities Department portion of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP); update to the Board on the WSU Cares program.
- Island Transit news: Long Range (20-year) Transit Plan
- Island Transit Roadmap 2047, https://www.islandtransit.org/roadmap-to-2047.
- Island Transit is developing its Long Range Transit Plan and wants you to fill out their survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LongRangePlanEnglish
- As part of this planning process, Island Transit needs your input at the following public presentations
- Camano Island. Monday, April 13 from 4 – 6 pm at the Camano Library.
- Oak Harbor. Monday, April 13 from 4 – 6 pm at the Oak Harbor Library.
- Langley. Monday, April 27 from 4 – 6 pm at the Langley Library.
- Coupeville. Tuesday, April 28 from 4 – 6 pm at the Coupeville Library.
- Camano Island. Wednesday, May 6 from 11 am – 1 pm at the Camano Center.
- Oak Harbor. Thursday, May 7 from 11 am – 1 pm at the Center.
- Island Senior Resources news: https://senior-resources.org/. Dates and times of scheduled events are subject to change. It’s always advisable to call to confirm, 360-321-1600.
- Aging at Home: learn about in home care and support, Wednesday April 15, 11 – noon Langley Library
- Island Senior Resources Info session—learn about their programs such as Meals on Wheels, Medical Transportation, Medical Equipment, In-Home Caregiving Programs, Medicare Savings Program, Falls Prevention, Support Groups. Tuesday April 21, 3 pm, Parkwood Manor Club House, Oak Harbor
- Meet Me @ is a brand-new series of casual, connection-focused events designed for caregivers and the people they support. The first event, Meet Me @ Meerkerk, invites participants to enjoy a leisurely stroll through Meerkerk Gardens followed by a bring-your-own picnic lunch. Friday, May 1, 11 am at Meerkerk Gardens.
- I will be speaking next Thursday, April 16th at 2 pm at the South Whidbey Prepares meeting at the Clinton Community Hall, on my vision for emergency management across the island, especially on the south end. I will be joined by Justin Ross, the County’s new Director of Emergency Management.
- Reminder: Do you ever think that you’d like to be more involved in your community but aren’t quite sure where to best use your talents? Island County has many advisory committees that the Board relies on to help the County make important decisions. Current vacancies are listed below. For more information on any of these volunteer positions contact Layla Tromble at la.tromble@islandcountywa.gov; the appointment application is here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/IslandCounty1/CitizenAppointmentApplication.
- Ebey’s Reserve Historic Preservation Commission (this is the most urgent right now—the HPC had to cancel the last 3 meetings due to lack of quorum, which holds up building projects for citizens in the Reserve).
- Position 2: Resident or Business Owner in Ebey’s Reserve. Experience in historic preservation preferred.
- Position 4: Resident or Business Owner in Ebey’s Reserve. Experience in historic preservation preferred.
- Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (also pretty urgent): Four-year terms; only meets a few times a year.
- Position 2: Member must be part of a business subject to the 2% Lodging Tax from South or Central Whidbey.
- Position 3: Member must be part of a business subject to the 2% Lodging Tax from Oak Harbor/North Whidbey.
- Conservation Futures Program Citizens Advisory Board: Three-year terms
- Position 3: Resident of District 2
- Island County LEOFF/Disability Board: Two-year terms
- Position 2: Member must be retired Law Enforcement or Fire Fighter recipient of LEOFF 1 disability benefits.
- IRTPO Technical Advisory Committee
- Position 2: Representing District 2
- Housing Authority of Island County: Five-year terms
- Position 3: Member must be a resident of Island County
- Law & Justice Council: Two-year terms
- Position 3: Resident of District 2
- Position 5: Resident of District 3
- Position 6: Resident of District 3
- Northwest Senior Services Advisory Board: Three-year terms
- Position 1: Member must be a resident of Island County with experience around issues facing seniors.
- Position 3: Member must be a resident of Island County with experience around issues facing seniors.
- Northwest Workforce Council: Three-year terms
- Position 4: Member must be a resident of Island County from a Community Development based organization.
- Veterans Advisory Commission: Two-year terms.
- Position 4: Member must be from Disabled American Veterans Post 47
- Position 6: Member must be from the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center
- Planning Commission and the Comprehensive Plan Update: This is a link to the Planning Commission page: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/235/Planning-Commission. You can find details on their meetings and minutes, including Zoom info, here: https://www.islandcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/Planning-Commission-4. The agendas are published at least a week in advance. The Planning Commission usually meets at 6 pm on the first and third Wednesday of each month in the Commissioners Hearing Room in Coupeville. The April 15th Planning Commission meeting has been cancelled. Coming in May: public hearings on the Comprehensive Plan.
- I will meet with interested citizens at the WiFire Community Space in Freeland at 3 pm on the next two Mondays: April 13 and April 20. I will be out of town on April 27.
Melanie
Hope to see you at one or more of the events during Whidbey Earth and Ocean Month. Thank you, Goosefoot, for maintaining this great calendar of events: https://whidbeyearthday.org/events/list/.
“To leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people’s trash.” ~ Bill Nye
