Kira Erickson reports from the Langley City Council meeting of Tue., Jan. 21, 2025 for the South Whidbey Record.
Once considered a popular destination for visitors from the mainland looking to get their important travel documents in order, the city of Langley is planning to sunset its passport services.
Mayor Kennedy Horstman shared the news with the city council this week. The city is continuing to work to address a $150,000 gap required to balance the 2025 general fund expenses, which means cost-cutting measures are in store.
Starting March 1, the city will no longer process passports. The action will save the city an estimated $50,000 annually. Front desk hours for city hall will also be reduced, though by how much is still being determined.
They Said It
“This is a very clear financial decision, but a very hard, emotional one,” she said. Ending passport services means the loss of the part-time passport agent position, which is occupied by Bob Herzberg, longtime city employee and former police chief.
Horstman said Herzberg’s 46 years of service to the city will be honored and celebrated.
