San Juan County Council voted Dec. 23 to authorize a one-year destination marketing services agreement with the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau for $535,000.

Aidan Haynes, who presented LTAC's recommendation, said the committee's final recommendation "landed on a figure of 535,000" after considering an original recommendation as high as $561,000 and a low option near $525,000; the $535,000 figure represents a midpoint compromise. Councilmember Mini, who attended LTAC deliberations, said committee members were concerned about timing and visitation declines and wanted "more tangible data" from the bureau before considering deeper cuts.

The council chair said the visitors bureau had provided substantial materials and expressed sympathy that a 16% cut (to $500,000) would be significant. The chair and two council colleagues supported a one-year contract at the committee's $535,000 recommendation to allow the county and bureau to reassess next year.

The motion to accept LTAC's recommendation and authorize the county manager to execute the agreement was moved by Council member Mini, seconded, and approved by voice vote.

Council members said they expect periodic check-ins and additional data from the visitors bureau in 2025 to inform future funding decisions.