Council defers decision on Skagit County vessel-registration interlocal after budget concerns

Chief Floyd asked council to approve an interlocal with Skagit County to receive a portion of county vessel‑registration surcharge funds to support the city—s boating‑safety program.

Floyd said the program has received a $14,000 state parks grant plus a one‑time $10,000 bonus this year and that county vessel registration funds historically allocated 30% to the city—s boating program could add an estimated $15,000 for a total of about $30,000 dedicated to boating safety next year. He explained the funds are restricted to boating‑safety uses, including training, fuel, maintenance and overtime for maritime operations.

Councilmembers expressed multiple concerns: some said the amount was modest but questioned whether adding marine patrol duties would supplant land patrols, forest‑land coverage and school resource duties; others asked for a detailed patrol schedule and an explicit comparison to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) criteria the state applies for funding eligibility. Councilmember Walters requested a written comparison of the department—s proposed program against the WAC requirements before approving the interlocal.

No motion was made; the majority signaled that they were not prepared to approve the interlocal at this meeting and asked staff to return with a program description and compliance plan.

Why it matters: The interlocal would provide a recurring restricted revenue stream to underwrite a maritime safety program, but council members said they wanted assurance the program would not reduce land‑based public‑safety coverage and that it would meet state WAC requirements for boating safety.