Anacortes City Council considers Fidalgo Recreation District ballot for November election

July 15, 2025 | Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington

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Anacortes City Council considers Fidalgo Recreation District ballot for November election

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Anacortes City Council meeting on July 14, 2025, focused on a proposal to place an initiative regarding the Fidalgo Metropolitan Recreation District on the November 4 ballot. The initiative aims to create a new recreation district governed by a five-member board of elected commissioners, with boundaries matching those of the Anacortes School District.

The council discussed an interlocal agreement with the Fidalgo Parks and Recreation District, which would see the city place the initiative on the ballot in exchange for the district covering all election-related costs. This agreement follows a similar process from the previous year, where a similar proposition was narrowly defeated.

Public comments during the meeting reflected significant concern regarding the initiative. Several residents expressed their disappointment at the proposal returning to the ballot, emphasizing that the community had previously voted against it. Linda Martin, a resident, argued that the council should heed the voters' previous decision and postpone the resolution. She raised concerns about the potential tax burden, noting that while the current levy rate is approximately 9 cents per thousand dollars of assessed value, the new district could levy up to 75 cents.

Other residents echoed these sentiments, highlighting issues of transparency and the need for clarity regarding the proposed tax rates. They expressed fears that the initiative could lead to excessive taxation and a loss of local control over tax decisions. Some council members also voiced hesitation, questioning whether the same language used in the previous ballot would yield a different outcome this time.

The council acknowledged the need for clearer communication regarding the implications of the proposed district and the potential tax rates. Discussions included the possibility of including a maximum levy rate in the ballot language to provide voters with more information.

As the council deliberates, the outcome of this initiative could significantly impact local taxation and community resources, making it a pivotal issue for Anacortes residents in the upcoming election.

Converted from City of Anacortes - City Council Meeting (7/14/25) meeting on July 15, 2025
Link to Full Meeting

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