Latest Headlines from Island County

WHIDBEY ISLAND PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT: WhidbeyHealth has partnered with Island County Department of Emergency Management to support their Emergency Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation Survey.

Island County Commissioner Melanie Bacon (D-Langley) sent her weekly recap to constituents on Fri., Dec. 5, 2025.

STANWOOD CAMANO NEWS: Island County adopted a balanced but lean 2026 budget after major staff and spending adjustments, while one commissioner warned it still fails to prepare for steep costs expected in 2027.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Commissioner Melanie Bacon, citing ongoing animosity between Janet St. Clair and Jill Johnson, rejected supporting either as 2026 chair; both later agreed to back her continuing in the role.

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.

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.

JANET ST. CLAIR shared a post from the Camano Island Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 25, 2025.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Lone Lake suffers recurring toxic algal blooms from anatoxin-a and microcystin, and officials debate pursuing limited grant funding for an expensive, multi-year cleanup that may be hard to complete.

JANET ST. CLAIR shared a post from Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA) on Nov. 21, 2025.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Island County’s commissioners will hold hearings on a proposed sales tax, budget, and fireworks ban. Key decisions hinge on filling deficits, funding disputes, and divided opinions on restrictions.