Submitted by the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to promote public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.
SJI Public Hospital District regular meeting of Dec. 17
Superintendent Nathan Butler reported that the October levy funds have come in, and the increased funds from the levy lid lift will start coming in spring 2026. Emergency medical services call volume was high in 2025; the full 2025 report will come out in February. The Village at the Harbor’s roof had no problems with the recent high rains. The Public Hospital District has moved employees to the new health insurance plan through the state system PERS, which requires employees to cover a fraction of the policy cost.
The Village at the Harbor director, Tina Smith, reported there are two vacancies, which should be filled in January. The Village hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for residents and their families. The Village has close partnerships with community organizations such as Hospice, EMS and the SJI Health Care Foundation.
Deputy Superintendent Evan Perrollaz reported that The Village at Home now has 13 part-time caregivers and 23 clients, with 200 hours billed per week. Maintaining staff continues to be a challenge. They are planning for more training next year; home health care workers can administer medication if they have proper training. Commissioner Rick Frazer reported that the Finance Committee recommended that the Peace Island Medical Center subsidy be paid out in May/November for better coordination with revenues. The PHD needs a personnel budget, as that is the biggest expense. Increased levy revenues in 2026 will help fund health care programs.
Butler reviewed extensive proposed policy and procedure changes in personnel and administration, prepared by PHD staff. The board adopted procedures for the EMS and PHD and tabled the proposed changes for The Village at the Harbor and The Village at Home for consideration at the January 2026 regular meeting.
Friday Harbor Town Council regular meeting of Dec. 18
Mayor Ray Jackson recapped the work that the Town has accomplished during the four years of his term. He thanked the staff and Town Council for their good work and offered his support to incoming Mayor Perrolaz.
The Town’s System Administrator, Paul King, provided an update on IT and technology. A public hearing was held on amending the 2025 budget. The council unanimously approved amending the 2025 budget.
Finance Director Bethany Berry reviewed the proposed 2026 budget. A public hearing for the proposed 2026 budget was continued. A non-town resident expressed appreciation for the proposed reduction of the non-town resident water fees in the 2026 budget from the fees set for 2025. The Council unanimously approved the utility rates and connection fees for 2026. The Council unanimously approved adopting the 2026 budget.
The town administrator thanked outgoing Council member Mason Turnage and Mayor Ray Jackson for their service.
Recording of Town Council meetings can be viewed from this site: https://www.fridayharbor.org/2202/Agenda-Meetings-and-Video.
