Council previews 2026 capital facilities plan: police vehicles, fiber work, parks projects and fire needs

City staff presented the General Government portion of the draft Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) for 2026–2031 to the Anacortes City Council on Sept. 15, reviewing projects across museum storage, police, fire, fiber and parks and recreation.

‘‘Really feels like our first, kind of kickoff of the budget season,’’ said City project manager (presentation lead) while introducing the packet. Staff noted several projects are carryovers from the current CFP or were deferred into fiscal year 2026 for further design.

Police: staff described three new patrol vehicles tied to previously authorized staffing increases. Police fleet manager Jason Luteman said the department has a ‘‘very small window each year to order police vehicles’’ and urged timely approval so vehicles arrive next year when new officers are on duty. Council later approved a purchase order for three Chevy Tahoes (see separate agenda action).

Fiber: the fiber program reported continuing backbone construction and developer-conduit materials for anticipated infill connections. Staff said the fund resources are a mix of prior bond proceeds and charges for service. Council asked whether low-density areas along Highway 20 and Marches Point would be served by public fiber; staff said earlier policy removed long, low-density extensions and that private development would generally pay for laterals to those areas.

Fire: the CFP includes a 2026 Fire/EMS response boat (with county contribution noted) and a generator for Station 3, plus later-year items including an antique-engine train-shed move and an eventual multi-station remodel. Chief Harris and councilmembers discussed fundraising for the antique engine project and the need to coordinate timing with the museum storage plan.

Parks and recreation: planned 2026 work includes Heart Lake restoration, skate-park restroom and parking upgrades, Depot plaza improvements and an Avenue Park irrigation project; funding sources include grants, REET, impact fees, private contributions and fund balance. Councilmembers discussed pickleball infrastructure and neighbors’ complaints at Clear Ridge; Councilmember Walters asked staff to add language to the CFP noting that, upon construction of a replacement pickleball facility, the Clear Ridge courts would be returned to tennis to address neighborhood concerns.

Impact fees and timing: Council asked about impact-fee recalculation for fire and other services; staff said a consultant study is underway and expected by year end. Several councilmembers pressed staff to provide clearer cost-confidence guidance on projects that lack bid-level estimates.

Next steps: staff said the public-works portion of the CFP will be presented at a later meeting; the CFP will inform the budget process this fall. Council gave feedback on priorities and asked staff to return with more detailed cost and funding documentation for high-priority projects.