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La Conner council narrows public-restroom hours after repeated vandalism
Summary
Council heard reports of repeated vandalism to downtown and park restrooms and agreed to reduce opening hours and test site-specific schedules and signage while exploring longer-term security options.
La Conner town officials reported repeated vandalism of public restrooms in downtown and park sites and agreed to limit opening hours to reduce damage and cleaning costs.
At a town council meeting, Administrator Scott summarized incidents that prompted the change, saying the town’s contracted cleaners “are no longer willing to clean them because they're such a mess,” and described damage including torn-off soap dispensers, wet toilet paper and heavy soiling. He said staff had informed the sheriff’s department and discussed limited surveillance but noted it cannot be staffed continuously.
Council members and merchants raised concerns about impacts on local businesses and visitors. One merchant suggested a code-access system used by some libraries, where businesses or customers receive a changing code; Scott said wireless locks cost about $1,800 each plus an ongoing network service and that the town would have to upgrade hardware and logistics to distribute codes. Another speaker recommended posting signage that restrooms are closed “due to vandalism.”
After discussion, council members agreed on a tentative schedule: keep the First Street restrooms open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and test an 11 a.m.–4 p.m. window at the more-isolated Morris location, with the parks also shifted to 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Council consensus was recorded by voice vote; no formal ordinance change was made that night.
Council directed staff to implement temporary hour changes and signage, to pursue low-cost deterrents (signage, targeted patrols, and discussion of surveillance), and to report back with cost estimates for electronic locks and other options. The town will also monitor business complaints and the effect on park users before proposing any permanent policy.
The discussion occurred during the Administrator’s report and drew multiple speakers including business owners, library representatives and Public Works staff. The council framed the response as an operational change—not a policy or ordinance—subject to later review and possible budget requests.
