The Skagit County Board of Commissioners voted to approve its consent agenda on Jan. 27, including a resolution establishing the 2025 ferry fare schedule for Guemes Island and a temporary passenger-only ferry service, after residents from the island urged the board to reconsider the scale and timing of fare increases.

Public commenters said the proposed increases would be unaffordable for many island residents and raised specific concerns about charges for propane deliveries and the pace of fare increases enacted since a 2023 methodology change.

During the commissioners’ consent discussion, Commissioner Wason described the ferry fare resolution as an attempt to “catch up” on operating costs after fares were not raised during the COVID years. Commissioner Browning also supported the resolution but acknowledged the need for a longer-term plan to balance the ferry system’s finances with affordability.

Several Guemes Island residents spoke during the public-comment period. A caller identifying herself as Lydia (5729 West Shore Drive) urged commissioners to vote no on the fare item, saying a 30% to 90% increase would be “simply unaffordable” and describing the resolution as “egregiously unfair” to the island community. Stephen Orsini (4971 Guemes Island Road) said the resolution would raise fares in an accelerated way, producing an overall increase “at least a 100% higher” than before the county’s July 2023 change to its fare methodology (Resolution 2023-0152). Gabe Murphy, speaking for island residents, said the county and residents should reassess the methodology to reduce the impact on the county road fund while seeking fairer outcomes for island households.

Orsini criticized arguments that additional midday sailings were causing revenue loss, saying the operating cost of a fully crewed, fueled vessel is the key driver of expenses. Residents warned that higher fares combined with higher heating costs could force some households to consider leaving the island.

The commissioners approved the full consent agenda — items 1 through 29, including the ferry fare resolution listed as consent item 21 — on a single motion. The motion to approve the consent agenda was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote, recorded as three ayes (3-0). Commissioners thanked the Guemes Island commenters and said work must continue to find longer-term solutions for the ferry system.

Other consent items approved in the same motion included the reappointment of Bud Bowers to the civil service commission, award of a facilities renovation contract to Tri Co for tenant improvements on the old health department and administration building, and two miscellaneous ratified personal-services agreements with Community Action of Skagit County (see "Votes at a glance" below). Commissioner Wiesen recused himself from the two Community Action items because he serves on Community Action’s board; the miscellaneous agreements were approved on a 2-0 vote with one recusal.

The board scheduled an executive session on real estate acquisition under RCW 42.30.110(1)(b) after the meeting adjourned.

Next steps: commissioners said they will continue conversations with island representatives to seek a more sustainable fare methodology and emphasized the need for a comprehensive long-range plan for the ferry system.