[{"_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",6201962,"mediaKeyId","3788376-4885d84c0c53db5a916971fec9016ad3","parentId",3788376,"title","Council approves ordinance to site county facility on Shaw Island after public SEPA debate; critics ask for hearing-examiner review","audioSeconds",123,"startMs",1212000,"endMs",1335000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3788376-4885d84c0c53db5a916971fec9016ad3&start=1212&end=1335","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3788376-4885d84c0c53db5a916971fec9016ad3/thumbnail_1212000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6201962/San-Juan-County/Washington/Council-approves-ordinance-to-site-county-facility-on-Shaw-Island-after-public-SEPA-debate-critics-ask-for-hearing-examiner-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201962-f9765558466c7f16dcbd77704b682151/orig.mp4?Expires=1775224363&Signature=V586nTlvC3BFrZ~2jKMzjGBcrwOJ1H94BYMXYntLzaDAaxuyWQch7mqRNgXHbVM9~aS3l9bA5jn20jDL1BztNv89SBFKWzxLCPStG62oWOo5qy~l4W3nioCNCj4jfveX-MRC~ALiPOPX03uF756NL8MnF53Qxs7FH5OBEx-fRMN2E8~RawRX8yKBOH3O8ussb5PI1Ww-i3QsqvnHEaeQwRhAtZjpmSwL0JkVVaN04HadkHtToCNIPOxq7TOYliZseIv-rL244JFkwI0k1Knsn0m8M40QfQN6j2bFqsetBa8m4acO9yy-eq3Cw9x~dCUlU2-3n8ir8wm71N6S7uqKdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Juan County, WA","date","2025-06-03T00:00:00Z","article","The San Juan County Council approved an ordinance designating an essential public facility (EPF) site for San Juan County operations on Shaw Island and adopted a companion resolution directing planning for county property at 1385 Blind Bay Road after a public hearing on June 3, 2025.

Opponents, represented by Shaw Island Alliance, urged the council to transfer the review and any necessary environmental review to the county hearing examiner. Kyle Loring of the Shaw Island Alliance said, \"we respectfully request that this county council transfer the review of the Shaw EPF siting application to the San Juan County hearing examiner,\" and argued the council’s role should be legislative and not quasi‑judicial. Loring and a Shaw Island resident raised procedural and substantive concerns with the SEPA checklist, saying it contained contradictory statements and lacked adequate environmental analysis.

Resident testimony echoed that there is no pressing operational urgency. One resident told the council that Public Works had stated it could manage operations at the Blind Bay worksite “for the next 20 years,” and urged the council to complete a legally defensible SEPA assessment before proceeding.

County staff planning lead Mackenzie said the ordinance is an early, site‑designation step and that subsequent land‑use redesignation applications would include another SEPA review with more detailed project information. Deputy prosecuting attorney John Kane explained the county’s legal view: \"it is the prosecutor's office's, firm opinion that this is a legislative act,\" and that the line between legislative and quasi‑judicial can be blurry, but that council may choose whether to wait for the hearing examiner’s SEPA decision; if the hearing examiner alters the environmental determination, the council would need to revisit its action.

After public testimony and staff remarks, Council Chair McVay called for a motion. The council voted to approve the ordinance designating the EPF at TPN 262932006000 and to authorize application of the site‑specific land‑use designation change to DCD; the council also voted to approve the resolution regarding planning for county property at 1385 Blind Bay Road. Each motion was moved and seconded and carried on unanimous voice votes recorded as \"Aye. Motion passes.\"

The record shows public commenters pressed two legal points: that the Mitigated Determination of Non‑Significance (MDNS) tied to the project had been appealed and that the SEPA checklist submitted with the application contains multiple statements of \"no known impact\" without the supporting studies commenters said SEPA requires. Opponents argued the council had sought legal advice from the public‑works lawyer, raising an appearance‑of‑fairness concern. The deputy prosecuting attorney disagreed with opponents’ view that the council must defer to the hearing examiner but advised the council that it may choose to wait for the hearing examiner’s ruling before finalizing legislative action.

Outcome: council adopted the ordinance and accompanying resolution; however, public commenters and the opponent group said they had an SEPA appeal pending and asked for transfer to the hearing examiner. The council has discretion to revisit the designation if the hearing examiner or later land‑use proceedings change the environmental determination.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","County Council Regular Meeting - June 03, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The San Juan County Council on June 3, 2025 approved an ordinance to site an essential public facility for county operations on Shaw Island and voted a related resolution for planning at 1385 Blind Bay Road after a public hearing that included calls from island residents to transfer review to the county hearing examiner.","taxTitle","San Juan County, Washington","taxId",72708,"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},6201947,"Lobbyist and county staff outline state budget wins and local capital grants; ferry and courthouse funding noted",2915,3328000,6243000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3788376-4885d84c0c53db5a916971fec9016ad3&start=3328&end=6243","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3788376-4885d84c0c53db5a916971fec9016ad3/thumbnail_3328000.jpg","/articles/6201947/San-Juan-County/Washington/Lobbyist-and-county-staff-outline-state-budget-wins-and-local-capital-grants-ferry-and-courthouse-funding-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201947-083200d87c434cf0a88a234f57ac2c31/orig.mp4?Expires=1775224363&Signature=lStushbCr~DGrlL72~MxSD32lrr1zfdmZKgQFXCGE1Vo~OGuxeOd4JLlfUO5smupXnwBWTjYXDpUfTkbUPNhzgeVdvJm44RPwnSm1nQIE21Wogh-vGa4tSMkkBae6-zzF5V1-UjNyLEd5jPYdRzD9yLT0woTg7kP5cy~wCvCS8cxEYv7MldQT4NuyPY~dsev8Kper2KGmSo821hXzJD9-K9kx1FEzNj21j3HeOjxEXy~ZwCLtrfgRrQttm4a0oCr-Oba~18r7H5WjyN-bYwSeEzKj0JRBvMX7fIUBSlMCbZYXE2SexvDF97x21ol5AzRey103Pwv49R8VRF91rHWdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","San Juan County’s hired lobbyist and county staff briefed the council on June 3, 2025 about outcomes from the 2025 Washington State legislative session and potential local impacts.

Columbia Policy Advisors lobbyist Josh (last name given in staff materials) told the council the operating budget totals about $77.8 billion over the biennium and represents roughly an 8% increase with $4.4 billion in new revenues. He highlighted several measures the county tracked: House Bill 1791 provided Real Estate Excise Tax (REIT) flexibility allowing broader local use of REIT I and REIT II funds; House Bill 2015 created a Criminal Justice Training Commission grant program for local public safety and a new local option sales tax for public‑safety purposes; and transportation funding increased overall, including continued support for the inner‑island ferry route and the Orcas winter run. \"The operating budget takes spending to $77,800,000,000 over the biennium. It was, this is an 8% increase,\" Josh said.

He also noted the capital budget appropriated approximately $7.6 billion and local community projects netted meaningful awards; the typical local community project in the capital budget was about $500,000. Josh said San Juan County did well in the capital budget and cited several local awards.

County manager Jessica Hudson and deputy manager Hillary Williams (and staff Tillery on public safety grants) outlined direct local impacts. County staff noted a $1.5 million award from the historic courthouse rehabilitation program to stabilize the courthouse for earthquake mitigation; the county must match and obligate those funds by June 2027 and can begin counting match dollars in 2025. Staff also flagged implementation uncertainties: the state’s distribution method for the Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) fund had not been finalized and the regional health officer program will be eliminated as of June 30; staff said the county will need interlocal and contingency plans to ensure continuous public‑health coverage.

On public safety funding, Tillery previewed that HB 2015 provides two options: (1) a CJTC‑administered grant program for a range of public safety uses, including personnel and behavioral health supports, and (2) a council‑level local option sales and use tax for public safety. \"What this does is it creates new public safety funding options,\" Tillery said. Staff plan a July 15 briefing with the sheriff and county staff to present details and recommendation if council wishes to pursue the local option tax or apply for grants.

Staff also listed capital appropriations benefiting local actors and districts such as funding for Pea Patch community spaces, Lopez Sea‑center projects, Lopez Island Food Center, library renovations and other community facility grants; many items came through local community project requests or established state grant programs.

Outcome: informational briefing. Council asked staff to coordinate follow‑up briefings (notably July 15 on public safety grant options). Council members expressed interest in a summer/fall work session to craft the county’s 2026 legislative priorities and to align capital project requests by October.","San Juan County staff and the county’s lobbyist summarized the 2025 Washington legislative session on June 3, 2025, reporting state budget totals, policy changes and several capital grants that affect the county, including $1.5 million for courthouse stabilization and new local public safety funding options under HB 2015.",{"_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},6201953,"Council OKs sales‑and‑use tax allocation to finance public‑facility projects, including EDC support",82,3038000,3120000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3788376-4885d84c0c53db5a916971fec9016ad3&start=3038&end=3120","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3788376-4885d84c0c53db5a916971fec9016ad3/thumbnail_3038000.jpg","/articles/6201953/San-Juan-County/Washington/Council-OKs-salesanduse-tax-allocation-to-finance-publicfacility-projects-including-EDC-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201953-91e9372a68c4e5c31a9fce4ef2a08ac7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775224363&Signature=YQpCsxYA0v2-UCEyfcM~j8SoJXW7Ytym-5orVwtZS93h-8wN3uL-J3kd0NxFlKBB4TfJZq1Oiz21ZNOHB5YrWbenqxA2-eDOG84Amo2Vz6jHdHjyYpcY9-T83yU3dMBnYFmzSTEy4Tc6rptXhNnIc8pv~pqSsGhYIP2W0mE0zCMLIBb5Qz3dfGAiKyFRCq1zZVUWmH3WhYlTpGUSCR9pJyzq3r5NVtjT0IaAGEgn8NAO63B~BLDd6uO4kpUNVNofTBKKrkwUF-fSOv~UWM~cUQqytpl5mBI2KBQ~kdaySLrqvjSrMMnfF6rqxUcNYXzD31tlyGkZyNRlw3~r8DeE2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Juan County Council voted on June 3, 2025 to amend San Juan County Code section 3.26.055 to allocate sales and use tax revenues for financing public facilities, including use to support the San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC).

Victoria Compton, executive director of the San Juan County Economic Development Council, told the council the change would provide a \"reliable funding mechanism\" and allow the EDC to implement larger‑scale training, workforce and business support programs. \"This consistent funding will be essential to the sustainability of our life changing workforce programs and our business support programs,\" Compton said.

No detailed revenue or rate figures were presented during the public hearing. The ordinance to move the county code section forward was moved, seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote; the meeting record shows \"Aye. Motion carries.\" Council discussion thanked the EDC for prior work and noted the potential of the funding to support trades training and local workforce pathways.

Outcome: The ordinance amending county code 3.26.055 was adopted. Council and staff said the allocation is intended to provide a consistent local funding source to support economic development programming; further implementation details (revenue estimates, allocation schedules or program agreements) were not resolved at the meeting and will require follow‑up by staff and the EDC.","The San Juan County Council adopted an ordinance amending county code to allocate sales and use tax revenues for financing public facilities and to provide PFAP funding for the Economic Development Council; the EDC said the funding will stabilize workforce and business programs.",{"_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},6201958,"Council adopts three 2025 budget ordinances, raising county appropriations by about $9.5 million",345,2385000,2730000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3788376-4885d84c0c53db5a916971fec9016ad3&start=2385&end=2730","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3788376-4885d84c0c53db5a916971fec9016ad3/thumbnail_2385000.jpg","/articles/6201958/San-Juan-County/Washington/Council-adopts-three-2025-budget-ordinances-raising-county-appropriations-by-about-95-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201958-20f6a64e5a5bd0ba0c3976f00c2ff0f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775224363&Signature=l2FHk8yOKy9xMxaqZAVwJ5BRRwrcGjhHDkNH0m1tN1DJv8HYVXEcyPNxznwAqkmBg5Obqy3dvYyz2zj5L4e5Qw9cIgaoPlBviCw9fQ2iksdgMcKhLNfkgCfUcTGT7tkFjKo89tF2Z9LMBfga1u7WujecM9rLT1PK37MGtUVlVGzXNaOkvIcVRYRoMMHQ1lu-ad6KJuUwhD1oiOwxof8ZbgkwA0r48uQkYOCwiR-L5LC0sFq10RS8Ki0vHCcZIHJ-UaA7~3JUWx2sOJWvNVo5CQsxVuhZi8e29caSXlnMHPSHMR3ns2-x6yXKAEhkHcMmxHhX5x1agMWUK4nx-7yOvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Juan County Council adopted three budget ordinances on June 3, 2025 that collectively raise 2025 appropriations by about $9.5 million.

Budget officer Dr. Foote presented the amendments and told the council the changes reflect updated beginning cash balances, emergency appropriations and supplemental appropriations tied to the county’s mid‑biennium review. \"The proposed exhibits are based on recommendations from the budget team,\" Foote said, and staff noted small corrections to beginning cash balance exhibits, updates to leases and the addition of several grant and fund adjustments.

The ordinances break down as follows: the beginning cash balance ordinance increases appropriations by just under $7,600,000; the emergency appropriations ordinance increases the budget by about $962,000; and the supplemental appropriations ordinance increases the budget by about $916,000. Taken together, the three ordinances increase total county appropriations by about $9,500,000 and increase the county’s current expense fund ending cash from $3.9 million to about $5.0 million. After the statutorily required 10% reserve is held, the county would have roughly $2.0 million in available additional cash in the current expense fund, staff said.

Council discussion noted a capital committee decision to use REIT II funds to pay a payment to Washington State Ferries and the need to ensure appropriations were in place to pay the town of Friday Harbor its statutorily required 25% share of a public facilities improvement fund payment. Council members also discussed the establishment of an abatement fund and other items they expect to revisit in future amendments. Councilmember Paulson thanked Dr. Foote for a clear presentation and emphasized that council may make changes before final adoption; the ordinances were moved and adopted in sequence by voice vote and recorded as \"Aye.\"

Outcome: All three budget amendment ordinances were adopted during the June 3 meeting. Council and staff noted some pending items that may return for future amendment, including additional requests not recommended by the budget team and the establishment of an abatement fund.","San Juan County Council adopted three ordinances to revise the 2025 budget—adjusting beginning cash balances, emergency appropriations and supplemental appropriations—collectively increasing the budget by approximately $9.5 million and raising the current expense fund ending cash to about $5 million.",{"_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},6201967,"San Juan County proclaims June 2025 Pride Month",506,136000,642000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3788376-4885d84c0c53db5a916971fec9016ad3&start=136&end=642","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3788376-4885d84c0c53db5a916971fec9016ad3/thumbnail_136000.jpg","/articles/6201967/San-Juan-County/Washington/San-Juan-County-proclaims-June-2025-Pride-Month","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6201967-40fce391e3986cafff80d82843def75f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775224363&Signature=O6xHNlRY6mi6TXM7Ja9ru5bI7~epxSXL9kbPmRgMaSh~QtiG4CPAjksLjdcZMn2Zn5tpGRrjaphU-dD5FQleRLTI-pUsWfzzAkvQxQhfKPHJ7TicVJrHly8yBj77J49uW-Mk9aQn9fM9BDR5SJbpnrfLi-kfyTdXg7QQkb2W~SHThPAP1EZ0C9CjB0z3QcYWXzy0DdGa0CSYyBh4hLzHQ6rMOAt4w48D4EmNxpHuuWcckurVXiC~6xysXxkCoS-Sd1QFpriRW3WRDlg3L~SoMGAI9xk69BFQL979MFi3IkguTJ0Z9Eexuy32ne384orUoIvEx17yksFRARCPO2CriQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Juan County Council unanimously adopted a proclamation declaring June 2025 Pride Month in San Juan County on June 3, 2025, endorsing support for LGBTQIA+ residents and organizations and encouraging public engagement and education.

Council action formalized recognition after leaders from local Pride organizations described recent growth in outreach and requested ongoing support. San Juan Island Pride Foundation board president Shane Smith told the council, \"Our mission is simple, to foster community across LGBTQIA+ and intersecting identities and to bring much needed resources to our unique island home.\" Orcas Pride board member Shannon Weese said local weekend events “went fantastically” and thanked San Juan Island Pride for collaboration.

The proclamation notes the historical roots of Pride and affirms that San Juan County recognizes LGBTQIA+ residents’ entitlement to equal protection under federal, state and local laws. Speakers emphasized current local needs that they said merit attention, including access to affirming health care on the islands and specific supports for queer youth. Joy Hughes, who said she helped draft the proclamation, urged elected officials and residents to stand up for trans rights and to provide refuge for people fleeing hostile laws elsewhere.

Public remarks accompanying the proclamation described a growing local calendar of Pride events: San Juan Island Pride’s organizers said they expanded Pride Fest into a month that included art shows, allyship workshops, beach cleanups and fundraisers. Speakers asked the council and residents to attend events, increase visibility and support efforts toward long‑term resources such as an island queer community center.

The council’s adoption of the proclamation was procedural and ceremonial; no binding policy changes or funding commitments were made during the meeting. Council members thanked organizers and invited continued engagement with county officials. The proclamation was adopted at the June 3, 2025 regular meeting and copies will be provided to local Pride organizations.","The San Juan County Council adopted a proclamation recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month, with local Pride groups and residents urging sustained support and resources for LGBTQIA+ people, especially trans youth.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves ordinance to site county facility on Shaw Island after public SEPA debate; critics ask for hearing-examiner review

Lobbyist and county staff outline state budget wins and local capital grants; ferry and courthouse funding noted

Council OKs sales‑and‑use tax allocation to finance public‑facility projects, including EDC support

Council adopts three 2025 budget ordinances, raising county appropriations by about $9.5 million

San Juan County proclaims June 2025 Pride Month