Jessie Stensland reports that the Island County Commissioners, after noting that fast-food restaurants on Whidbey Island are paying more than what some county employees earn, have decided to establish $20 per hour as base pay. The Commissioners also instructed the County Human Resources Director to approach the unions about the...
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES EDITORIAL: A tale of two road projects illustrates how things are amiss in Oak Harbor when it comes to spending priorities.
In a story by Jessie Stensland, Oak Harbor City Councilmember Jeff Mack has resigned from the Oak Harbor City Council effective 30 Dec 2021. “Mack cited personal issues and his decision to retire from his jewelry business as reasons for leaving office, according to a statement from the city.“ State...
Jessie Stensland profiles two challengers to incumbent Island County Commissioner Janet St. Clair (D-Camano Island), who is up for re-election in 2022. Former Commissioner Rick Hannold wants a rematch. He lost to St. Clair in the last election after serving one term. He said he planned on announcing his intentions...
In a story by Karina Andrew, the Coupeville Town Council voted to send a letter to the Island County Commissioners in support of the Commissioners proposal for a sales tax increase of one-tenth of 1%. According to a provided fact sheet, the tax revenues would be used to fund affordable...
In a story by Kira Erickson, she reports that at the request of Mayor Scott Chaplin, the Langley City Council has authorized the creation of a finance and personnel committee that will be led by citizen volunteers. The Langley Municipal Code already outlines the responsibilities of such a committee: deliberate...
Jessie Stensland reports that Councilmember Jim Woessner stated he was “absolutely shocked” to learn that the water bill to operate the city’s water park for two months last summer came to $100,000. Apparently, the high cost is due to the fact that the water park does not recirculate the water...
