City staff described multiple capital and maintenance needs for Oak Harbor’s public facilities during an online informational session, including full dredging and breakwater work at the marina, planning for a parks-and-recreation facility and deferred maintenance at the police station.

The presentation matters because staff said those needs informed the city’s evaluation of local revenue options. Staff linked the projects to potential revenue sources, including a local business-and-occupation tax, port district funding for the marina and state or federal grants.

On the marina, a staff presenter said a full dredging would extend the marina’s life by an estimated 10 to 15 years. He also said the existing breakwater is “pretty old and it doesn't really work as it was originally designed” and recommended replacement or rejuvenation to reduce future silting and lengthen the interval between dredgings, which would reduce long‑term costs.

Staff also suggested the marina’s layout reflects boating preferences from several decades ago and that a reconfiguration to accommodate modern boater needs could improve usability. The presenter said improving the physical connection between the marina and downtown would increase economic activity by making the route more cohesive and walkable.

Staff said the city has state funding for a feasibility study for a potential indoor parks-and-recreation facility. The study will examine optimal siting, access, parking and public input opportunities; staff said results and public meetings will be published when available. For construction, staff said the city would pursue state and federal grants and consider local revenue options.

Regarding the police station, staff noted the building is “many, many decades old,” that the city has funding next year to replace the roof, and that deferred maintenance and the station’s ad hoc growth over time mean it may need replacement within the next five to 10 years to meet operational needs.

Staff framed these capital and maintenance items as among the city’s top community requests but said other smaller needs also exist. They reiterated that some funding options (state grants, federal earmarks/congressionally directed spending, port district funding) are being explored alongside any local tax proposal. No formal council action occurred at the session; staff said council would consider funding options at a future public agenda item if it chooses to do so.