6-9-26 City of Oak Harbor Council Workshop

The City of Oak Harbor Council Workshop held on June 9, 2026, primarily focused on a resolution (26-10) regarding the display of commemorative flags on city property, including the Pride flag. The council heard extensive public comments both supporting and opposing the resolution, reflecting community divisions on inclusivity and government speech. The council ultimately voted against adopting the resolution, with a 4-5 vote. Additionally, the meeting covered the annual review of the city's lodging tax advisory committee (ELTAC) funding, discussing the allocation of approximately $475,000 for tourism-related grants, considerations for funding criteria, and the geographic scope of eligible applicants. The council also reviewed a reallocation of about $70,000 in remaining police department capital funds toward life-saving equipment such as ballistic shields and AEDs, aligning with updated compliance and safety needs. No new contracts or procurement awards were made during the meeting, but policy discussions and budget allocations related to tourism grants and police equipment were significant.