City of Anacortes - City Council Meeting (10/26/26)

The Anacortes City Council meeting on October 26, 2026, featured the mayor’s proposed 2027 budget, presented as balanced after an initial projected $2.4 million gap, though not sustainable over the longer term. Procurement- and operations-related measures included consolidating software to save nearly $40,000, moving seasonal portable-toilet service to a state contract for nearly $14,000 in savings, and improving bid-opening procedures to reduce errors and save an estimated $500–$750 per opening. The proposal adds two utility-funded engineering technicians, with potential annual savings of up to $1 million by bringing utility project design work in-house, and a SCADA technician to reduce consultant costs. The city is also pursuing South Commercial Avenue paving, which depends on grants and state funding; no project award or contract approval for it was made at this meeting. The council approved the consent agenda’s nine items, and the mayor’s presentation noted an earlier council-approved CivicPlus contract modification for library and museum website banners.

The council approved Resolution 3234, authorizing a memorandum of understanding with International Association of Firefighters Local 1537 to transition employee benefits to the IAFF Health and Wellness Trust. The city estimated net annual savings of about $100,000 after added contributions and administrative expenses. The mayor’s budget proposal included a proposed 0.1% sales-tax increase for public safety beginning April 1, 2027, projected to raise $545,000 that year; this was presented for budget consideration, not approved at this meeting. A revised accounts-receivable policy was also presented, including a proposed $500 threshold for certain uncollectible accounts, but the transcript does not record a council vote on it.