This column is part of a series detailing San Juan County’s recent news. Follow along each month to learn about important County projects, Council initiatives, department updates, and more.
Council Sets Priorities for 2026-27 Biennial Budget Amidst Funding Challenges
During meetings in September and October, the County Council discussed strategies for balancing and preparing the 2026-27 biennial budget. Draft budget forecasts show that the County is facing a significant deficit over the next two years – specifically, a projected $6.6 million deficit in 2027, likely due to stagnated revenues and rising costs of operations.
Council has asked each department to reduce operating costs by approximately 10%. This includes a hiring freeze (with exemptions allowable for health and safety needs) in an effort to reduce future costs. Other solutions to the budget deficit are ongoing. San Juan County will continue to seek ways to balance the budget that prioritize mandatory and essential functions, while not disproportionally decreasing services to the community. Read more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2016
Deadline Approaching: Pay Your Property Taxes Before Oct 31
Don’t forget to pay the second half of property and personal property taxes by Friday, October 31, 2025. The San Juan County Treasurer’s Office is making it easier than ever to pay quickly, securely, and on time! Remember, the Treasurer’s Office is closed on Fridays – but there are many ways to pay taxes early, online, and in-person before the deadline. Use the Treasurer’s Office website to access the online payment portal: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/314/Treasurer
November 4, 2025, General Election: Vote! Sign! Send!
Mark your calendars for the exciting General Election on November 4! This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with our community, as we'll be voting on important positions for commissioners and directors in Junior Taxing Districts related to schools, hospitals, fire districts, and port districts. Plus, there are vital ballot measures for the San Juan County Hospital District No. 1, San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2, Orcas Island School District, Orcas Island Library, Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District, and the formation of Lopez Island Park and Recreation District. Let’s make our voices heard!
Federal Shutdown Impacts on Local Public Health
The federal government shutdown is affecting the public health services San Juan County can provide. At the Department of Health & Community Services (HCS), we’re doing everything we can to continue offering essential services and to support the individuals and families who rely on us. We are working closely with our State and local partners to minimize disruptions caused by the shutdown. One of the areas we’ve seen an immediate impact is the Washington’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which we operate through three local offices. Learn more: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2020
WSF Ferry Terminals will Close for 48 Hours in Spring of 2027: What Timing is Best for You?
Washington State Ferries (WSF) will upgrade equipment at the Lopez and Orcas Island ferry terminals in spring 2027. A portion of this maintenance requires 48-hour service closures. WSF is interested in learning which days islanders would prefer to close the terminals on Lopez and Orcas.
San Juan County is helping gather community feedback regarding the best timing for these closures. Please take this quick survey to provide your input to WSF: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/san-juan-county-ferry-information/surveys/ferry-terminal-closure-dates-2027-2
Building the Team: San Juan County Welcomes New DCD Director, Fire Marshal, and Public Defender
San Juan County is pleased to welcome a new Director for the Department of Community Development, a Fire Marshal, and a Public Defender. These new additions will help strengthen the County’s workforce and improve the organization's ability to serve the public. Get to know DCD Director Sev Jones, Fire Marshal Robert Salgado, and Public Defender Paul Cognac here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2023
Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-Juan-County-Newsroom
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