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.