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 Council Extends Agreement with Lopez Solid Waste by Three Months

Council held a special meeting on Monday, December 16 and voted to extend the existing interlocal agreement with the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District (LSWDD) for three months. The LSWDD’s managing board had signed the extension during a meeting on Friday, December 13. This extension enables the continuation of services at the facility while a longer-term multi-year agreement is discussed and finalized. 

The existing LSWDD interlocal agreement was set to expire at the end of 2024 after already receiving a one-year extension. San Juan County supports the progressive recycling efforts of the LSWDD and the Take-It-Or-Leave It (TIOLI) and has no intention to take over ‘The Dump’ or its operations. The County is eager to work with the LSWDD over the next three months to develop an agreement that is acceptable to the governing body and the managing board of the District. Discussions will resume in early 2025.  

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.”

San Juan County Celebrated the Completion of the Lopez Island Skate Park 

San Juan County Parks, Recreation, and Fair Department re-opened the Lopez Island Skate Park after an extensive renovation. The new, approximately 6,300 sq ft skatepark officially opened on Sunday, December 1 to a crowd of eager skaters.

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.

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

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