LWV Observer Corps notes on public meetings

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Submitted by The League of Women Voters Observer Corps, a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.

San Juan County Board of Health regular meeting of May 20

Director Mark Tompkins reported that ACH has a new CEO, and Community Collaboration has received $20,000 for the Recovery Café.

He presented a budget update for Foundational Public Health Services. He expected no budget clawbacks for the 2025- 2026 budget on FPHS grant funding. For the 2026-2027 budget, FPH expects a budget reduction of $346,000, effective July 1. The director is working with human resources on the next steps. Suggestions to address the reduction in funds are expected in the next few weeks.

The County’s current budget for 2026-2027 expects a significant revenue shortfall. Council will be working to consider multiple options. There will be required cuts based on state funding reductions and County budget cuts from expected revenue shortfalls of several million dollars.

Evergreen Recovery Centers is a contractor for behavioral health care. They will coordinate the hiring of a licensed behavioral health professional who will work with law enforcement so that our sheriffs can focus on law enforcement issues.

Using Opioid Settlement Funds, a contract was finalized with Lopez Youth Prevention to focus on Youth Prevention, Youth Mentoring and Latinx youth leadership.

Opioid Addiction Recovery Support uses funds from the opioid settlement disbursement that San Juan County receives. The program receives $150,000 over a two-year period to support individuals recovering from opioid use disorder. The County contracts with Compass Health for the County, Orcas Community Resource Center for Orcas Island and Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center for SJI. 25,000 is funded for each organization, and 75,000 is held back for future dispersal.

Community Court Project is an initiative of the San Juan County District Court. Teams are working together on a court structure designed to be inclusive to vulnerable populations. Mental Health Tax Program focuses on Community Wellness, School-based mental health and primary intervention programs. Home Visits (formerly SafeCare) meets with families, and steps three to five provide support for children 3-5 years old.

The contracted company for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Services is STEPS, which provides in-home therapy, education and family support for infants and toddlers from birth to three years old.

San Juan County Council regular meeting of May 26

Council Chairman Justin Paulsen read an adopted resolution recognizing June as Pride Month for San Juan County in support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Budget planning and priorities were the main topics of discussion, with presentations from the Auditor’s Office concerning the current budget shortfall and the need to continue to close a substantial gap between revenue and expenses. With increasing costs and stagnant revenues, Council is aware of having to consider cuts to services for the 2027 budget following the recent vote to disapprove a levy lid lift. Council will need to examine all mandated and non-mandated services, request department analyses of discretionary tasks performed and consider the consequences of staff and service reductions. While there is not a current formal hiring freeze, departments are “on hold” for hiring vacant positions until the budget is approved. Council has agreed to budget-focused meetings (June 15, 16 and 24), in addition to the regular sessions (June 9 and 30), in consideration of deadlines for budget review (August) and submission (November).

Angela Broderick presented the Master Plan update for the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, with their mission and vision for wise investments for the community and a sustainable tourist economy. Applications for grants will open June 1, with an applicant workshop available on June 16; the deadline for applications is Sept. 11. Ryan Page discussed three approved affordable housing grants and the remaining funds available for anticipated applications.

Council approved a resolution to adopt generative AI use policies, with the understanding that guidelines will change as AI advances.

Josh Weiss, policy advisor, gave an update on the Washington state Legislature, bills passed and failed, and a budget overview. He encouraged consideration of the Washington State Association of Counties’ priorities for the 2027 legislative session that might affect San Juan County, including possibly reworking the failed bill on a vacation rental tax to fund affordable housing. A bill concerning detached Accessory Dwelling Units was successful.

The Chadwick historic homestead stabilization project on Lopez and the Picnic Point conservation easement on Shaw were approved for submittal of applications.

A public hearing for siting an essential public facility on Shaw will be held on July 28 at 9:15 a.m.