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Commissioners approve CIP amendment to finish Mutiny Bay design amid Cornet Bay debate
Summary
Island County commissioners on April 21 approved Resolution C-13-26 to reallocate REET funds and carry $181,000 forward to finish design work on the Mutiny Bay boat-ramp project. The vote passed 2— 1 after members debated prioritizing Cornet (Cornett) Bay and long-term maintenance obligations.
Island County commissioners voted 2— 1 on April 21 to adopt Resolution C-13-26, amending the county's six-year capital improvement plan (2026— 2031) and clean water utility program to reallocate real estate excise tax (REET) funding and carry forward $181,000 to complete design work on the Mutiny Bay boat-ramp project.
Assistant Public Works Director James Sylvester told the board the county seeks to move the Mutiny Bay boat-ramp design from 30% to 100% to make the project more competitive for grants and to finalize engineering estimates. "We started that design in '25 with the intent of finishing it. We didn't quite get done with the design. We've got to 30%, so there's still work that needs to be done, which is what that $181,000 would be to take that to 100%," Sylvester said.
Several commissioners questioned whether adding design funds is the best use of limited county resources when other projects such as Cornet Bay (referred to in the meeting as Cornett Bay) remain underfunded and have been delayed for years. Commissioner (speaker 11) said Cornet Bay is a long-standing marine and safety hub and opposed the amendment, arguing the county's agreement with property owners requires maintenance but not the construction of a large ramp. "I'm gonna put my chips down on staying with Cornet Bay," the commissioner said.
Supporters said having a design-ready project improves competitiveness for grants and enables immediate response if external funding becomes available. The Port of South Whidbey's Kurt Gordon asked whether the 30% design includes an engineer's estimate sufficient to pursue grants; public works responded that the 30% package does include an engineer's estimate and that 100% design would make the project more shovel-ready for some funding opportunities.
Commissioner (speaker 6) moved to approve Resolution C-13-26; the motion passed 2— 1 on the roll call. The board recorded continuing concern about long-term maintenance costs and future permitting requirements for new marine infrastructure. The board also directed public works to continue seeking grants and to coordinate with partners on funding strategies before proceeding beyond design.
The board then announced an executive session and paused public business for staff-only deliberations.
