Anacortes council approves committee appointments, aims for broader rotation

The Anacortes City Council on Jan. 12 voted to confirm committee appointments for 2026–2027 under Resolution 3,200, adopting a plan Mayor Pro Tem Cleland McGrath described as intended to rotate membership and preserve institutional knowledge.

Cleland McGrath told the council she sought to leave at least one experienced member on each committee so that historical context remains available while allowing other seats to rotate: “our goal… was the fact that we wanted to try to rotate members of each committee more frequently than we have in the past so they don't get stagnant.” She said the approach also aims to give whoever fills the currently vacant Ward 1 seat a balanced opportunity to participate.

Council members praised the process and the result. Mr. Fantini called McGrath’s approach “deliberate and aimed at ensuring every council member was placed on committees of value,” and Mr. Young said the assignments reflected members’ expertise and complementary strengths.

There were no public comments on the item. After a motion and second from council, Mayor Walters called for a voice vote; “the ayes have it” and the resolution was approved.

The appointments will guide which council members handle planning, finance, public works, public safety, economic development, personnel, parks and recreation, and library matters over the next two years. The council emphasized that committee work is preparatory and that decisions come to the full council for formal action.