[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6602168,"mediaKeyId","3005680-7cf37ad1b4672a1fb742c226ab238f02","parentId",3005680,"title","County holds public hearing on quarterly budget amendments; sheriff body‑cam cost, grants and ferry expenses highlighted","audioSeconds",130,"startMs",1265000,"endMs",1395000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005680-7cf37ad1b4672a1fb742c226ab238f02&start=1265&end=1395","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005680-7cf37ad1b4672a1fb742c226ab238f02/thumbnail_1265000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6602168/Skagit-County/Washington/County-holds-public-hearing-on-quarterly-budget-amendments-sheriff-bodycam-cost-grants-and-ferry-expenses-highlighted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602168-f3e71730304fb9bce3457effb569718c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185467&Signature=MFpbObsg4yHrPehF~XnWhlK5ohWJk5scm0ZVpZg4PcwREDNKEkb7SffKm-mvpsMQ6u1~pUS1vZdPIuSuN4GM8sJOk1kg38zdnKEn10qzTPpFS24hiPh1OaT5-aTwNxtXXx7U3YW07JsjTOGz~rDs~4jzyx5cOeAtb12SIVZk9pKPN0Kt~uz84g~QP2Npu3ff6zCiunJzZB4NAqPx4c3OSFGisJnObhXIPhFMnr8hV0RCP6wtUDo3D5Exlcc-7T09pQ0efqqJ273w-74TyRVNoqJG6XlQC2nntDWwZGm7ZQuYSb5PrkOECLPG2Tf5-gtGtrlOhMsPnjjOyD2to0dFtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Skagit County","date","2025-04-14T00:00:00Z","article","Skagit County conducted a public hearing April 14 on a quarterly budget amendment that county staff said includes multiple adjustments across funds, including a $1 million amendment in the general fund for sheriff patrol body-worn cameras, grant-funded increases in public health, and adjustments in county road and ARPA-related funds.

The nut graf: Budget and Finance Director Tricia Lope explained the major items; the sheriff’s department requested a $1 million amendment to record the full cost of a five-year body-camera contract in 2025 because the State Auditor requires the full expense be recorded in the first year of purchase. A similar but smaller amendment for jail cameras was described.

Lope summarized other highlights: roughly $391,000 in grant funding arrived for public-health-related funds after budget adoption, prompting several amendments across public-health subfunds (substance use disorder, mental health, housing); staffing reallocations were made in the mental-health and developmental-disability fund after a program was discontinued and revenue ceased; and corrections were made to the County Road Fund to fix items that were duplicated or budgeted incorrectly.

Lope also described ferry and related capital costs: some ferry goods or services budgeted in 2024 rolled into 2025 because goods were not received in 2024; bids for a ferry haul-out came in higher than estimated and the department requested an additional $600.00 to cover the higher bid and replacements for two outdrives and a lost propeller, as stated in the amendment presentation. ARPA/LATCF funds also appeared in the amendment: staff said $1,700,000 was recorded in a fund (LATCF-like local assistance) and that $1,000,000 of that had been allocated to the County Road Fund to pay for an 11-culvert bundle project.

Lope said this was the third quarterly amendment processed under a revised approach: department heads presented their amendments in a prior work session to allow commissioner questions before the public hearing required by statute.

Public comment at the hearing was not recorded in the transcript excerpt. Commissioners did not take final action during the excerpted portion; the presentation proceeded to other agenda items (Arbor Day celebration) after the hearing remarks.

Ending: Staff noted the department heads had already explained individual amendment items in an earlier work session; this public hearing provided the formal record before any final action by the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Skagit County - Record of the Proceedings - Monday Session - Apr 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Skagit County on April 14 held a public hearing on a quarterly budget amendment that included a $1 million general-fund adjustment for sheriff patrol body‑worn cameras, additional grant funding for public health, corrections to the County Road Fund, and ARPA/LATCF allocations.","taxTitle","Skagit County, Washington","taxId",5125,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6602173,"Skagit commissioners adopt countywide planning policy updates tied to housing targets",264,816000,1080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005680-7cf37ad1b4672a1fb742c226ab238f02&start=816&end=1080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005680-7cf37ad1b4672a1fb742c226ab238f02/thumbnail_816000.jpg","/articles/6602173/Skagit-County/Washington/Skagit-commissioners-adopt-countywide-planning-policy-updates-tied-to-housing-targets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602173-f734782b00e9cbcf8a5bf034fc8054ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185467&Signature=JbLnho4DgLVjj1YHrMeXp6cU1vbAtRcq7MX9SFqvwIDf7eN47FKRN-Nw2W3Uv7OGvL7pHITXPBJJM5PQ4Tsy4iLXeIRi3zsz01FNRQBsaQUCmReEG2VW0hJLOck2WtUsP8NkHPgVqs7kjrNdmXWaueAGSK2K2gS2s0BgKLX7-Pn9fitwK7AHN6JSemYRnlG~usGdeeKbBLBXzqS0mrfQuHZ4nKxw9oPTt8YriHpVUzVcQ83XOGbTCS6nZiQeBA1ittRfnPgrRfuGEx14gQTkXlLmk4lea~pTV2pF6cPvQQLy3vZjECV8Qg4~j6UR1d8C6q5RAYiOhOERLOTEQ3ovYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Skagit County Board of Commissioners on April 14 voted 3-0 to adopt ordinance updates to the countywide planning policies as part of the 2025 comprehensive plan update.

The nut graf: County staff and commissioners framed the policy updates as required by state law and said the changes aim to guide local jurisdictions on zoning and growth targets while maintaining a countywide split that allocates roughly 80% of growth to urban growth areas and 20% to rural areas.

Commissioners and staff discussed how the allocations work in practice. A commissioner asked whether allocations are exchangeable between cities; staff explained that numbers can be exchanged, mainly among cities, and that exchanges can be used if a city cannot accommodate its allotted growth following a land-capacity analysis. Staff said the figures used in the update were based on historic growth and that the countywide planning policies still require maintaining the 80/20 urban/rural split.

Commissioner remarks reflected frustration with housing outcomes: one commissioner said the county has not met its housing goals, noted a low vacancy rate in Skagit County, and questioned whether the policy updates would lower housing costs. Another commissioner emphasized the need to clearly define allowable uses in farmland under the updated policies.

Action: Commissioner Browning moved to adopt the ordinance adopting the countywide planning policy updates for the 02/2025 comprehensive plan update as recommended by the Skagit Council of Governments Growth Management Act Steering Committee; Commissioner Wiesen seconded. The motion passed, 3-0.

The board acknowledged staff and municipal planners for their work on the document and noted that implementation will require local jurisdictions to assess land-capacity and zoning to accommodate designated allocations.

Ending: The ordinance was adopted by a 3-0 vote; commissioners asked staff to continue work with jurisdictions on planning implementation and the board adjourned to subsequent items.","The Board adopted ordinance updates to countywide planning policies, reflecting state law changes and a 20% rural / 80% urban growth split; commissioners discussed exchangeability of allocations between cities and concerns about meeting housing goals.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6602177,"Skagit County approves conservation easement to protect 82 acres of Bow farmland",393,372000,765000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005680-7cf37ad1b4672a1fb742c226ab238f02&start=372&end=765","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005680-7cf37ad1b4672a1fb742c226ab238f02/thumbnail_372000.jpg","/articles/6602177/Skagit-County/Washington/Skagit-County-approves-conservation-easement-to-protect-82-acres-of-Bow-farmland","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602177-7fe1798e2e9376ee391a313c06ac38c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185467&Signature=A~LxHQwj6xp3e3vryIEoUA8isbMbNQUZciac3CK6oKRDcpOuj6cWq8r3rZ5NI8RA882Hi6n2E-fEQECK9t65mgWCR96Z2ywuahEbphZgCqduJdLcjJc~ZhGhFGqpX576NwA4IoDhFBUIa439ED44QkEd6HVtm09xYq~NWFOgXHnLWiLtThvr3kgoY0g1V75l-z6ELRocZS8dcR98u32w3HWLn4cImziaIQqEzyiTzvKD9-BRJxLN33a55b98a82F6mStlbVknrrwlcwRneD8gPXU2MwaopzaYEX1vL5s45QxXCV5Q8cvF44Al8HFUn9AmtT2h9wM09kVB6ELPUA5Eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Skagit County Board of Commissioners on April 14 approved a grant deed of conservation easement with John Pat and Sons to protect 82 acres of farmland in Bow, removing two development rights and compensating the landowner $185,000.

The easement, presented by Sarah Stoner, agricultural lands coordinator for Skagit County Public Works, covers parcels P34523 and P34524 and includes an exhibit map showing the property and nearby already-protected farmland. Stoner said the Joe Leary Slough runs through the parcels and that the soil has been classified as prime farmland by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The nut graf: County staff and commissioners said the Farmland Legacy program protects designated prime soils in perpetuity and that this easement is locally funded by Skagit County conservation futures rather than state or federal grants.

Stoner said the easement follows the program’s standard restrictions, with occasional property-specific adjustments such as larger allowable impervious surfaces for certain agricultural operations; she noted some operations (e.g., cattle) may be allowed up to 5% impervious surface compared with a 2% standard for open farmland. Stoner also told the commissioners that with the approval of this easement the county has reached about 15,300 acres protected to date.

Commissioners briefly questioned whether structures were included; Stoner clarified the protected area sits below nearby structures and that existing barns or house sites were not included in the protected portion under discussion. Commissioner remarks expressed support for preserving farmland and appreciation for the property owner’s participation in the program.

Action: Commissioner Browning moved to approve the Farmland Legacy Program grant deed of conservation easement with John Pat and Sons for parcels P34523 and P34524 for $185,000; Commissioner Wiesen seconded. The motion passed, 3-0.

The easement is funded solely by county conservation futures, Stoner said; she told the board there is no state or federal funding for this particular transaction. The agricultural protections in the deed are intended to stay with the land regardless of future ownership.

Ending: Commissioners thanked staff and the property owner; no public comment was recorded on the item and the board carried the motion 3-0.","The Skagit County Board of Commissioners approved a grant deed of conservation easement with John Pat and Sons to protect 82 acres in Bow, removing two development rights and compensating the landowner $185,000. The easement is funded by county conservation futures and is intended to preserve prime agricultural soils.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6602157,"Votes at a glance: Skagit County commissioners, April 14, 2025",333,86000,419000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005680-7cf37ad1b4672a1fb742c226ab238f02&start=86&end=419","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005680-7cf37ad1b4672a1fb742c226ab238f02/thumbnail_86000.jpg","/articles/6602157/Skagit-County/Washington/Votes-at-a-glance-Skagit-County-commissioners-April-14-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602157-2714cab6faec9963728b3eb16770ca1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185467&Signature=PX0BE9lBUgETOUa9dloM-pbRsbI8ViDzyV9PnOP1Qpvl3Pmrci437wFa-EXrJDuTusiGFGJiNKLBiHnbiatWn0n6zrqVKSKo1EH3zFEu7-LTQeSTDTxMEQ6Q~Zf7fRleTr5ohSNrlujzYYXZDeoq5oGH8AwmyBOcLHcSHffyHM4zXZQpoeerfMA5trlpXYlouVvA0MI-I6K8iu3d5R-1nGRk9n1BPKIqsv-2-2zQ~sReXw54jKv4vfU0pKGtiif4heCAwIgM6boECDeLbQ1yfbKIXeYAcfd-f97CTsPOJ49uJEj-P7jWq7yXks-CPoTei3W1SUtmZ1w8wrQ0-CPEOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Skagit County Board of Commissioners recorded the following votes during its April 14 meeting:

1) Consent agenda (vouchers, warrants, miscellaneous items excluding a pulled item #3). Motion to approve items 1, 2 and 4–13 including all items requiring ratification, vouchers and warrants for Monday, 04/14/2025. Moved by Commissioner Wiesen; seconded. Result: Motion carried, 3-0.

2) Farmland Legacy Program grant deed of conservation easement with John Pat and Sons (parcels P34523 and P34524). Motion moved by Commissioner Browning; seconded by Commissioner Wiesen. Result: Approved, 3-0. Compensation to landowner: $185,000; 82 acres protected; two development rights removed.

3) Ordinance adopting countywide planning policy updates for the 02/2025 comprehensive plan update (recommended by the Skagit Council of Governments Growth Management Act Steering Committee). Motion moved by Commissioner Browning; seconded by Commissioner Wiesen. Result: Adopted, 3-0.

4) Arbor Day proclamation recognizing April 9 as Washington State Arbor Day and April 25 as National Arbor Day. Motion moved by Commissioner Browning; seconded by Commissioner Wiesen. Result: Approved, 3-0.

Each vote above was recorded on the public record during the meeting; in items with staff presentations, staff provided supporting detail before commissioners moved and voted.","Summary of formal votes recorded during the April 14 Skagit County Board of Commissioners meeting: consent agenda, farmland conservation easement, countywide planning policy ordinance, and Arbor Day proclamation—all passed unanimously 3-0.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6602163,"Skagit County proclaims Arbor Day; conservation district highlights tree programs, teacher training and native plant resources",1316,1905000,3221000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3005680-7cf37ad1b4672a1fb742c226ab238f02&start=1905&end=3221","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3005680-7cf37ad1b4672a1fb742c226ab238f02/thumbnail_1905000.jpg","/articles/6602163/Skagit-County/Washington/Skagit-County-proclaims-Arbor-Day-conservation-district-highlights-tree-programs-teacher-training-and-native-plant-resources","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6602163-fa1017b87a990be409d45a01223326fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185468&Signature=lSVPjX8vFWVh98p4D93fo3ssCDmQsrpoe3328tKJhG8lLFsCB1psh8FE6oT7rnSHGkQ-l~9syXNhM1WBBX5PMX0O8KJsvuRey6J1zdfmTQV2uy2-O1vUSIktj3P4yM8crSZu9nnE5g2LYYt92qiJo8S3eB5cDanYt9GOlceYHhDmp08L8JIGmF5-riTwfBdDTRmnwYXMEg4715MAe0wavudU6X1PpcUi5AfDlBFW2LV5i84gk8kgOr9Vd9n7FGgsY7YlptZzx4lTk7in1BF9h9zrmAPgkD1Jhcc5TeUStUQ-qBM1ZAc5Bnlnn8aU2uVC-3VYs7uNO1LWfPXvPqlXew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Skagit County Board of Commissioners proclaimed April 9, 2025, as Washington State Arbor Day and April 25 as National Arbor Day and heard a presentation from the Skagit Conservation District on local forestry and native-plant initiatives.

The nut graf: Emmett Wild, district manager, and Nick (Skagit Conservation District forester) told commissioners that trees provide environmental, economic and community benefits—filtering stormwater, stabilizing banks, supporting wildlife habitat, moderating temperatures, and providing timber and ecosystem services—and outlined district services including a native plant nursery, an annual plant sale, seed-collection work and a new native seed coalition effort.

Nick described practical guidance the district provides free to landowners and public outreach activities: volunteers and partners such as Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group and Skagit Land Trust do planting events; the district maintains a native-plant webpage and a map of local native-plant nurseries; and the district offers hazard-tree assessment guidance and assistance with finding professional tree services. He said February through early April is an ideal planting window, with fall also suitable.

District staff also described an ongoing teachers’ training program for which they partner with Washington DNR, local timber companies and the Pacific Education Institute; staff said the multi-day July training provides classroom teachers with field-based instruction and documentation for continuing-education (clock) hours. Nick said formal registration had not opened at the time of the presentation and that preregistration was being accepted with an expected cap of 20–22 teachers.

Commissioners praised the district’s programs; one commissioner noted widespread cedar dieback concerns and staff summarized research suggesting dry late-spring conditions and extended dry periods can stress cedar growth. Staff said the district’s services are provided at no cost and that people can contact the district by email (Nick at SkagitCD.org) for help and site visits.

Action: Commissioners moved and seconded to adopt the Arbor Day proclamation and approved it by a recorded 3-0 vote.

Ending: Commissioners encouraged residents to celebrate Arbor Day and to support tree-planting and local native-plant resources.","The Board issued a proclamation recognizing Washington State Arbor Day and National Arbor Day; Skagit Conservation District staff described local forestry services, native-plant nurseries, teacher training, and a native seed initiative during an Arbor Day presentation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County holds public hearing on quarterly budget amendments; sheriff body‑cam cost, grants and ferry expenses highlighted

Skagit commissioners adopt countywide planning policy updates tied to housing targets

Skagit County approves conservation easement to protect 82 acres of Bow farmland

Votes at a glance: Skagit County commissioners, April 14, 2025

Skagit County proclaims Arbor Day; conservation district highlights tree programs, teacher training and native plant resources