WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: The state predicts the county’s population will grow from the current 87,000 people to nearly 103,000 in 20 years. The bulk of the housing for population increases is planned for urban areas, which in Island County largely means Oak Harbor.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Christopher Swiger will begin negotiations to become the permanent chief of North Whidbey Fire and Rescue. The decision comes after two years of interim limbo and much anticipation from the North Whidbey crew.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: When the Oak Harbor mayor’s recent raise, over doubling his salary, came as a surprise to some city council members, they questioned the ethics and lack of transparency of the process. At Tuesday’s meeting, several council members apologized for calling volunteers into question and not doing more research.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: In a 6-1 vote, the Oak Harbor council passed an ordinance that will loosen the restrictions on trading park land.
THE WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES REPORTS: Oak Harbor staff are currently incorporating city council feedback for a budget proposal for the city’s projects as part of the 2025-2026 budgeting process to be finalized and approved in November.
THE WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES REPORTS: The North Whidbey Pool, Parks and Recreation District is due for a levy re-up on the November ballot.
As approved at a recent board meeting, the district will ask voters to support up to 20 cents per $1,000 assessed property value.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Island County Public Works is taking input for the transportation element of the 2025 comprehensive plan update, and some Whidbey Islanders are pushing for completion of the Whidbey Isle or bridge-to-boat trail, an island-long non-motorized trail reaching from the Deception Pass Bridge to the Clinton-Mukilteo Ferry.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: The North Whidbey Pool, Park and Recreation District is calling off its push for a metropolitan park district.
