City of Anacortes - City Council Meeting, 11/2/26 (Zoom Livestream)

The Anacortes City Council’s November 2, 2026 meeting included the first review of the proposed 2027 budget; the budget was not adopted. The proposed citywide budget is $117.7 million, including $40.691 million for the General Fund and $8.9 million in governmental capital projects. Council approved Resolution 3236, amending the use of the Chamber of Commerce’s existing $44,000 lodging-tax award so remaining funds can support the 2026 Coastal Christmas event; the transfer does not increase the original award. Budget discussions also covered a proposed $1.815 million lodging-tax contribution toward the event facility, $500,000 for creosote removal or sleeving, $50,000 for breakwater design and permitting, and $40,000 for downtown streetscape implementation. A proposed 50% increase to certain permitting fees and a technology fee to recover permitting-system costs are expected to return to Council for consideration.

Capital and purchasing discussions included the Fire Department’s plan to meet the state radio-compliance requirement with $22,000 in software rather than the previously anticipated $230,000 radio replacement, and Parks’ estimated $14,000 savings from renewing its portable-toilet contract through a state bid. Parks also outlined grant-supported Heart Lake shoreline restoration and other trail and park work; South Commercial remains contingent on grant funding. Fiber proposed adding a staff position to bring customer support in-house, citing an estimated reduction of roughly $180,000 in outsourced network-operations costs, and included possible server replacement in its capital plan. The Council also reviewed a proposed $120,000 increase for outside legal counsel and discussed future public-safety and infrastructure planning. No other contract awards or procurement approvals were identified in the budget work session.