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...
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...
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...
In a story by Jessie Stensland, she reports that the Island County Commissioners are going to hold a public meeting on January 18 for discussion on a proposed sales tax increase of on-tenth of 1%. The increase would raise approximately $1.2 million per year to construct, purchase, maintain and operate...
In a story by Jessie Stensland, the City of Oak Harbor is facing a tough decision concerning the funding of an access road for a U-Haul facility currently under construction on the north end of town. The proposed small section of a road off Fakkema Road, which would provide access...
Jessie Stensland reports: Island County commissioners hired Connie Bowers to replace Bill Oakes as the county public works director and county engineer. Bowers worked with Oakes for 13 years, first as a traffic engineer and then as the assistant county engineer. Bowers will earn $130,000 a year. They Said It:...
Jessie Stensland reports: Under newly redistricted maps, Whidbey Island will remain in the state’s most politically competitive legislative district as well as a slightly more competitive congressional district. Under the new maps, Island County remains in a geographically larger Congressional District 2 and a mostly unchanged Legislative District 10. US...
