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. 

County Council Supports New Cultural Access Program by Adopting 1/10 of 1% Sales Tax

During the December 10, 2024 Council meeting, the San Juan County Council passed an ordinance to approve a new 1/10th of 1% sales tax to create a Cultural Access program. During the meeting, the Council held a public hearing, deliberated, and passed as a councilmanic measure the proposed ordinance. San Juan County’s Cultural Access program will become the first program of its kind in a rural area of Washington State. More information can be found on the County’s website: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/2168/Cultural-Access-Program-Proposal

County Seeks to Address Flooding, Sightlines & Congestion with Douglas/Bailer Hill Rd Project on SJI

San Juan County’s Public Works Department is preparing to advertise to bid the Douglas/Bailer Hill Road Improvements Project this month. In the event the County is able to proceed with the 1.3-mile-long project, the department is pleased to share the preliminary scope, timeline, and accommodations.  

The 1.3-mile project is anticipated to last 6-7 months during the spring, summer, and fall of 2025. The project, seeks to

• Raise the elevation of and realign Bailer Hill Rd to minimize seasonal flooding
• Eliminate horizontal and vertical sight distance issues by smoothing peaks and valleys
• Add paved, four-foot shoulders on both sides of the road along the length of the project to provide safety accommodations for bicycle and pedestrian traffic
• Construct a ‘Radial-T’ intersection leading to the Oaks housing development, eliminating the two existing ‘dog legs’ at the intersection that create sight line issues  
• Improve roadway drainage with wider ditches and upsized driveway culverts for adjacent homes
• Improve stormwater quality by adding vegetated filter strips along roadway edges

All related materials can be found on the County’s website: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/278/Current-Projects   

San Juan County Certifies General Election Results & Celebrates High Voter Turnout

On Tuesday, November 26, the San Juan County Elections Office certified the November 5, 2024 General Election results. San Juan County had 86.89% of registered voters casting a ballot. The average voter turnout was 78.94% statewide.

“I’m incredibly proud of all the residents who exercised their civic duty and made their voices heard in the general election,” said Elections Manager Camolyn Armstrong. “It’s inspiring to see such an engaged community eager to participate, learn, and contribute to shaping the future of our area.”

Public Works Mobilizes Response to Repair MacKaye Harbor Rd on Lopez Island

San Juan County’s Public Works Department performed repairs along MacKaye Harbor Rd between Agate Beach Ln and Flint Rd. The repair sought to address areas of coastal erosion and help ensure the safety of the traveling public.

San Juan County Celebrates Completion of Lopez Skate Park and Calls for Inaugural Skaters

San Juan County's Department of Community Development has opened the 2024 vacation rental certification of compliance process. This compliance process will be open until December 31, 2024. Vacation rental permit holders must submit their certificate of compliance application through the online portal, through the mail, or in-person. To submit online or access the printable form, go to https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1836/Vacation-Rental-Compliance-Enforcement.

2025 Dog Licenses Now on Sale

All dogs in San Juan County are required to be licensed annually. Dog licenses for 2025 are available starting November 18. The license fees are $15 for dogs that are spayed or neutered and $40 for “natural” canines. A late fee of $10 applies to licenses renewed after March 31, 2025. You can add a photo of your dog for an additional $5 per year, which will display when the dog’s license number is looked up. Learn more about registering your dog here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/174/Dog-Licenses.

County Opens 2024 Vacation Rental Compliance Certification Process

San Juan County's Department of Community Development has opened the 2024 vacation rental certification of compliance process. This compliance process will be open until December 31, 2024. Vacation rental permit holders must submit their certificate of compliance application through the online portal, through the mail, or in-person. To submit online or access the printable form, go to https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1836/Vacation-Rental-Compliance-Enforcement. 

2025 Dog Licenses Now on Sale

All dogs in San Juan County are required to be licensed annually. Dog licenses for 2025 are available starting November 18. The license fees are $15 for dogs that are spayed or neutered and $40 for “natural” canines. A late fee of $10 applies to licenses renewed after March 31, 2025. You can add a photo of your dog for an additional $5 per year, which will display when the dog’s license number is looked up. Learn more about registering your dog here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/174/Dog-Licenses.

Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-Juan-County-Newsroom  

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