[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6586067,"mediaKeyId","5563688-5fdfa791be017e4fef871c8ca56e45a6","parentId",5563688,"title","Skagit County amends drainage utility code to charge state highways same stormwater rate as county roads","audioSeconds",856,"startMs",140000,"endMs",996000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5563688-5fdfa791be017e4fef871c8ca56e45a6&start=140&end=996","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5563688-5fdfa791be017e4fef871c8ca56e45a6/thumbnail_140000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6586067/Skagit-County/Washington/Skagit-County-amends-drainage-utility-code-to-charge-state-highways-same-stormwater-rate-as-county-roads","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586067-afbcb94ba8e05635f75797e7bd443a5d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770862092&Signature=QfeCCF58yriXhZIQ5SdaeHiUCDpEVgBSR5cQgEy52w3UKKt6lTbdOD~IoS2nDspcrzUryCUO475reFwJrRzxlcilnfw54FnHcWYgFq38h4IrjteSeJKf0McNmQl8MfPWnft-0uaES517EI2EwFX9h6i5TUP5Wq7kMjjtFvqGGc~q6oGxMoybOWM4Zo-Hp~PjFKY8qFRZjEE1YMyWHxqz~FmEOZOsejt32jvZfdtOeAIrT8Dg3pFkcnnv2Uommo2XmLxP~AqYnAPMV9QAi7rD~-trumAO6sOMas9gZJCWoIvaFXUgR76NFYHIWeGxpvB-Z2kBoBhO8qSmDLnsytxAdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Skagit County","date","2025-08-12T00:00:00Z","article","Skagit County commissioners on Aug. 12 voted to amend Skagit County Code chapter 12.19 and to adopt a resolution revising the drainage utility rate structure so state roads may be assessed the same stormwater charge as county roads.

The change affects a single line in county code that had limited assessments on state highways to 30% of the county roads rate. Jen Johnson, Skagit County Natural Resources Division manager, told commissioners the 30% language appears to have been a historical artifact and that Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) staff have confirmed the county may charge WSDOT up to the same rate it charges its own county roads.

The revision was presented at a public hearing required by county code. Commissioners moved to approve an ordinance amending chapter 12.19 and then approved a separate resolution adopting the revised rates and charges. The ordinance vote was recorded as “Motion carries 2 to 0.” The resolution authorizing the rate revision passed unanimously by voice vote.

Why it matters: drainage utility assessments fund ditch and culvert repairs, habitat restoration, flood response, and compliance with the county’s NPDES Phase II stormwater permit, Johnson said. The county has used drainage utility funds for projects across the unincorporated area and annually submits a storm-water plan to WSDOT to request reimbursement for projects demonstrably impacted by highway runoff.

Johnson said the county received about $10,000 from WSDOT in 2024 for four stormwater projects and estimated a tentative 2025 reimbursement of roughly $8,000 for proposed projects. Under the old code language the county collected about $10,500 annually from WSDOT; changing the code could allow collections closer to an estimated roughly $35,000 per year depending on projects and costs, Johnson said.

Johnson described the proposed change as “nothing major at this point, just a small change we’re looking to make.” She also summarized that drainage utility revenue is apportioned primarily to projects, with another share for operations, maintenance and permit compliance work.

The commissioners closed the public hearing with no public testimony and adopted both the ordinance amending Skagit County Code chapter 12.19 and the resolution revising the drainage utility rate structure.

What remains: county staff will implement the revised billing language and continue annual stormwater plan submissions to WSDOT for project-specific reimbursements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Skagit County - Record of the Proceedings - Tuesday Session","oneSentenceSummary","Skagit County commissioners on Aug. 12 voted to amend Skagit County Code chapter 12.19 and to adopt a resolution revising the drainage utility rate structure so state roads may be assessed the same stormwater charge as county roads.","taxTitle","Skagit County, Washington","taxId",5125,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586051,"Public comment highlights Northshore road concerns, protests and fair outreach; commissioners send letter on Seattle City Light FERC relicensing",871,2741000,3612000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5563688-5fdfa791be017e4fef871c8ca56e45a6&start=2741&end=3612","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5563688-5fdfa791be017e4fef871c8ca56e45a6/thumbnail_2741000.jpg","/articles/6586051/Skagit-County/Washington/Public-comment-highlights-Northshore-road-concerns-protests-and-fair-outreach-commissioners-send-letter-on-Seattle-City-Light-FERC-relicensing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586051-849b01593dd09e16a1a210a83fe79ee3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770862092&Signature=er3UlHhqybbo2a83-z9XQbrS2mTMRjoZVMOCEb8SlLZbrsEOvJs~PDd8cx9hmX7odUHaNrxQNpXbIzJyDozmZfG8FSx3GhCOXRmmGCzfDV5Y3nG~Bg0uqFDlq6H-d36aabozq2ymjTuRMWiPSH49-JsPIu9Ih21qCY3Sl0FBnS9IOCdevdocS5v0id8Dp5ia3rckoogLqmSeNfeAyKMCLraLxXt5OVAIVN2y~eYo5HuBXWdSZh2HXvWbfW0GXvmEOMcQNzFoHqZHaHCUkJnu6IsH7QiDWwhY8c63mPusIg1rAamLFtyHSjX6vONJwFf0K8~g2UuVm4f9hpxjtTuEug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents and community members addressed the Board of County Commissioners during the Aug. 12 public‑comment period on matters including roadway restoration at Lake Cavanaugh, local protest activity and county community events.

Loretta Humboldt (who uses the name “Tweedy”) urged county engineers to restore Northshore (Lake Cavanaugh Road) to its historic narrow footprint rather than widen it, noting local familiarity with “bump outs” and the presence of wooden log material reportedly under the road surface. She said engineers plan to drill exploratory test holes to determine existing subgrade materials and that she appreciated a county statement indicating a larger footprint may not be necessary.

Patrick (last name not stated) spoke about county government and urged consideration of expanding the number of commissioners; that comment was part of broader public remarks expressing concern about future decision burdens. Rebecca Peck (public commenter) raised broader civil‑liberties concerns and said she had observed enforcement actions at local commercial sites; she also referenced national developments in federal policy and protest activity. Meeting staff and commissioners noted the county has regular public protests and that community members continue to organize locally.

Commissioners used the public‑comment block to highlight county events and administrative items: they described the successful county fair, recognized longtime community members and retirees, and noted outreach to fair sponsors. The board also said it signed a letter to Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell regarding the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing for Seattle City Light projects, asking that relicensing funds not be used in a way that could lead to eminent‑domain actions affecting Skagit County farmland.

The public‑comment period closed with the board adjourning to its next scheduled meeting; no formal actions were taken as a result of the comments.

Speakers at the public comment period included residents and community organizers; a few members made extended remarks but no petition or item for formal action was introduced during the session.","Residents raised Lake Cavanaugh roadway restoration concerns and reported local protest and enforcement observations during the Board of County Commissioners’ Aug. 12 public‑comment period.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586056,"Skagit County approves sale of forfeited Mount Vernon property seized in drug investigation",475,1902000,2377000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5563688-5fdfa791be017e4fef871c8ca56e45a6&start=1902&end=2377","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5563688-5fdfa791be017e4fef871c8ca56e45a6/thumbnail_1902000.jpg","/articles/6586056/Skagit-County/Washington/Skagit-County-approves-sale-of-forfeited-Mount-Vernon-property-seized-in-drug-investigation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586056-ea2406a120d12c86a82883463dd5125b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770862092&Signature=dOhcIUB9ZyhUqcuOlA4KbkKKtoWgoyrsU74AnOpoaRdsi6cGS4vHRyTMGv7b6Kqa7s5B~SLX6baTBz8~HZt9KjbMk4ga7DbMHa9Qz3d~W3pfcudlp-d6WoIXpJxB18x31YM6MPFADgUdK0s2XW8lFHSH8CxZ3krNoRCj9mR1UzWJjtkFOQwBclbXLGhKQZ6y5GwhagBr~F44CSsJBDLoeTk-mM~TAQ6~jtII~7Cmk12caB6YhDYA2HLQ3X-voC~ZbH3CkejDDHwCDqTNIKVX0XBA~61QSODNxielRzYOkEuLTdLsZ1ik0z~8WhwXA8AvP5LXbFm5o5l0rnSL3qQMPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Skagit County commissioners on Aug. 12 approved a resolution to sell a Mount Vernon residence at 4812 Monte Vista Place that the sheriff’s office seized following a drug‑task‑force investigation.

Fred Hayes of the Skagit County Prosecutor’s Office explained the property was seized through civil forfeiture after investigators found the home was being used as an illegal cannabis grow operation. Hayes said the house had been modified for growing, including plywood over interior surfaces and added HVAC equipment. Under a settlement in the criminal matter, the property became county-held surplus and the sheriff’s office, which has no operational use for the residence, is seeking to sell it so proceeds can support the drug‑task unit and return the house to the housing market.

The county set a minimum public-auction bid of $350,000 and plans to conduct the sale through online bidding. Hayes and staff said the process follows surplus‑property procedures used by the county and noted that, unlike movable assets, real property is most easily converted to cash via auction so proceeds can be distributed among entitled agencies.

During the public hearing there were no in‑person or online speakers offering comment. Commissioners moved to close the hearing and then to approve the resolution to sell the property; the motion carried 2 to 0. The meeting minutes state the clerk’s office will handle execution of the resolution and distribution of proceeds.

The prosecutor’s office noted that forfeiture proceeds had already been apportioned among several accounts and agencies in prior settlements; the sale will convert the real property to cash for final distribution under the county’s forfeiture procedures.

No purchaser was identified at the meeting; staff said the auction will be posted online and handled as a county surplus sale with public notice.","Skagit County commissioners on Aug. 12 approved a resolution to sell a Mount Vernon residence at 4812 Monte Vista Place seized in a drug‑task‑force investigation and civil forfeiture.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6586062,"Skagit County reviews 2026 ER&R rates and fleet changes; no action taken",638,1013000,1651000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5563688-5fdfa791be017e4fef871c8ca56e45a6&start=1013&end=1651","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5563688-5fdfa791be017e4fef871c8ca56e45a6/thumbnail_1013000.jpg","/articles/6586062/Skagit-County/Washington/Skagit-County-reviews-2026-ERR-rates-and-fleet-changes-no-action-taken","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6586062-8d5e5d2b7a7ce18ecf4bd622ad8081cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770862092&Signature=Wd0PuTu1TznTiDRcFl~4UXcHKhIA6eMQzk8S0wzTr7Jp~7LJgVCaYadEXJmSNVSlRpSbfueIsGcU-AHUALikn7j74AyAdZlIb7Kvh~YiHRfZV4A5eCRMDlpaYTdtE5mPXqHjY4WZqUmWOm0nEKjJP0NxjJauEuw9zQ1yjZ8yQcR2k6XLBBhW5RCpyr~faueQgJEECAV2slTzEAF11hweC0YXnTBH7HZrrTgb0PP3UV7syxL0LTZ0iKI-7zZjebVShUuRh-cPqDqwGKG~lmxi~j8ICR~rQ0y9CahCfWC3Ne~o1A52Co4G6tdmfRcMz3EQ0aq-k9bB01aVpzXEYVsucA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Skagit County staff reviewed proposed 2026 Equipment Rental & Revolving (ER&R) rates during the commissioners’ Aug. 12 meeting, presenting changes driven by new vehicles, maintenance costs and shifts in where vehicles are assigned across departments.

Jason Bloodgood, who presented the ER&R materials, described department-level rate changes tied to additions or removals from fleets. Examples included a large increase for Emergency Medical Services tied to one newly added and fully outfitted truck, a rise in the sheriff’s allocation tied to receipt and outfitting of 30 replacement vehicles, and a shift of vehicles from Parks to Facilities (including a mower and a truck) that increased the Facilities allocation while reducing Parks’ rate.

Bloodgood also said information-technology vehicle costs rose due to increased maintenance needs on a small fleet, and that Fleet staff continue to monitor mileage and usage to determine replacement timing. He said departments sometimes defer ordered vehicles when prices spike, which reduces short-term payments and spreads costs.

Commissioners asked how the county accounts for vehicle prices and upfitting costs over time; Bloodgood said the ER&R spreadsheet includes a projection column for future years and that formulas update as cost assumptions are revised. He also noted that extended replacement intervals have been used in recent years to manage costs.

County staff and commissioners discussed shop labor rates; staff said the internal shop labor rate is $89 per hour and that it has not been updated since 2022. Commissioners emphasized documenting assumptions and the ER&R process so future staff and elected officials can follow consistent procedures.

No formal action or vote was recorded on the ER&R presentation; it was described by the chair as a review item and staff indicated ongoing coordination with the finance department about shop rates and rate-setting practices.","Staff presented the county’s Equipment Rental & Revolving (ER&R) rate projections for 2026, outlining vehicle additions, maintenance and shop-rate considerations. Commissioners asked questions about mileage, maintenance and documentation; no vote was required at the meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Skagit County amends drainage utility code to charge state highways same stormwater rate as county roads

Public comment highlights Northshore road concerns, protests and fair outreach; commissioners send letter on Seattle City Light FERC relicensing

Skagit County approves sale of forfeited Mount Vernon property seized in drug investigation

Skagit County reviews 2026 ER&R rates and fleet changes; no action taken