WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: After passing the 2026 budget and justice sales tax, Island County commissioners froze five new law-and-justice positions until June, citing concerns about unfunded 2027 cost increases.
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WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Oak Harbor adopted a court‑driven stay‑out‑of‑designated‑area ordinance letting judges bar certain drug offenders from a south‑side business zone to reduce concentrated drug activity and related crime.
SOUTH WHIDBEY SCHOOL DISTRICT: Prior to every Board Meeting or Workshop, the District posts a SWSD Navigator Newsletter providing notice of School Board Meetings, what is happening in the District and updates in the schools.
CITY OF OAK HARBOR: The City Council’s Dec. 2, 2025 meeting centered on approving a mid‑biennial budget amendment, adopting a stay‑out‑of‑designated‑area (SODA) ordinance targeting drug‑related activity, and considering the Mangat annexation request.
STANWOOD-CAMANO SCHOOL DISTRICT: The Stanwood-Camano School Board voted on a new board president, vice president, and legislative representative during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.
CITY OF OAK HARBOR: “The goals of the SODA (Stay Out of Designated Area Ordinance) are to reduce repeat criminal behavior, increase public and business safety, provide an enforceable tool for courts and police, and encourage rehabilitation outside the target zone,” Police Chief Tony Slowik.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Island County narrowly approved a 0.1% sales tax hike and 2026 budget, boosting justice funding but prompting warnings about affordability, future cost increases, and a looming 2027 budget shortfall.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: WhidbeyHealth’s board replaced president James Golder with Marion Jouas after a disputed closed session over “personnel and legal” issues, while publicly affirming confidence in Jouas and the hospital’s direction.