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Anacortes council hears committee reports; water-conservation warning, $250,000 intersection planning grant and e-bike ordinance previewed
Summary
Council committee reports highlighted rising sales tax but falling lodging tax, the early rollout of the city's new Tyler ERP system, a possible voluntary 10% water reduction if Skagit River flows fall to ~10,000 cfs for two days, a $250,000 planning grant for the 12th & K intersection, and an upcoming initial reading of a revised e-bike ordinance.
At Tuesday's meeting, the Anacortes City Council received committee reports on finance, housing, public works and public safety, and moved routine business including the consent agenda.
Council member Hunt reported finance developments after a June 26 meeting with Finance Director Steve Hoagland and Rhonda Peck: year-to-date sales tax is up compared with last year while lodging tax has fallen considerably; the FY2025 audit is underway earlier than previous years. Hunt said the first phase of the city's new Tyler ERP system went live this week and that staff from Tyler will be on-site to support the transition; utility billing, and HR and payroll modules are scheduled for later in 2026 and early 2027.
Council member Moulton summarized the Housing, Community Services and Planning committee meeting on July 2. She highlighted a presentation from Amber Lang of Family Promise of Skagit County about services that shelter entire families and operate prevention and diversion programs. Moulton said the Anacortes Family Center landing project was completed and described the city's prior commitment to split affordable-housing sales-tax revenue among three projects; she said the Family Center has asked the city to consider continuing funding beyond the $3,000,000 already committed. In the meeting Moulton stated, "So it was $63,000,000 was promised to each of those organizations," a figure she attributed to prior commitments.
The public works report noted plans for an expanded public-works presence at the upcoming Kids Are Best Fest and an operational update on the city's drinking-water source. The report said the city draws drinking water from the Skagit River and that staff project flows could fall to about 10,000 cubic feet per second; if that low flow persists for more than two days, the water department may issue a voluntary 10% water-use reduction in coordination with Skagit PUD. Public works also said the city received a $250,000 planning grant to fund up to roughly 30% preliminary design work for improvements at 12th & K, and that the project will be brought to council in early August.
On public safety, Council member Hunt said she and Council member Cleland McGrath met with Police Chief Floyd to review revisions to a draft e-bike ordinance expected to come to council for an initial reading the following Monday. Hunt also said the police are evaluating equipment that would enable officers to analyze suspected controlled-substance samples without opening packaging.
Procedural business included a motion to excuse Council Members McDougall and Young (the motion was made and seconded and, with no objection, the Mayor Pro Tem declared the absences excused) and approval of the consent agenda (items a–h). Council members thanked presenters and adjourned the meeting.
The council did not adopt any new ordinances at Tuesday's meeting; the e-bike ordinance revisions were described as coming for an initial reading on a future agenda.
