ISLAND COUNTY: Ebey’s Landing Trust Board ‘restructuring’ staff
Jessie Stensland reports Island County for the Whidbey News-Times. Read the whole story.
Summary by Perplexity AI
The Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Trust Board is restructuring its staffing after federal funding cuts forced layoffs last summer. Island County is advertising a new reserve manager position that will be employed by the county but funded by the Trust Board, giving the manager access to county benefits intended to attract stronger candidates. Interim manager Robert Pelant has served part time since October 2024, while Jason Benson has been hired to run the Ebey’s Forever Grant Program supporting preservation of historic buildings. The board, a partnership among local, state, and federal entities, also secured county lodging tax funds to support visitor operations at key historic sites.
They Said It
Commissioner Melanie Bacon said the new reserve manager will still work for — and be funded by — the Trust Board. Bringing the position within the county, however, means that the person will receive the county’s generous benefits. The lack of benefits for the Reserve staff had been a concern in the past, she said, and offering them may improve the pool of candidates who apply
