County commissioners on Nov. 25 set the initial rates and charges for Mason County Lake Management District No. 1 (Island Lake) to raise an estimated $50,000 in 2026 and an estimated $343,980 over 15 years.

Commissioner Travis Adams explained the LMD was established Sept. 16, 2025, by ordinance and that notice and hearing requirements under state law had been met (cited RCW sections during briefing). The proposed formula to establish the 2026 assessment is $0.62 per $1,000 of valuation; the actual per‑$1,000 rate will depend on final assessed values at year end, Adams said. The district indicated it anticipates issuing revenue bonds or notes payable from the LMD rates to finance activities.

Randy Lewis, chair of the Island Lake Management District advisory committee, told commissioners the 62¢ estimate is based on current valuation and that the committee supports the adoption and will pursue grants (including IVAMP funding) to support a comprehensive lake evaluation.

The motion to adopt the rates and expected financing was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote. Commissioners instructed staff to record the rate formula, estimated revenue, and to proceed with the LMD’s financing planning.

Next steps: the LMD will pursue grant opportunities to support an IVAMP study and finalize the per‑$1,000 assessment after year‑end valuations are confirmed.