Hello Guemes Island Ferry community,

We at the Guemes Island Ferry Committee (GIFC) wanted to let you know that Skagit County has put out the fare increase proposal for 2025, and the time to make your public comment is now through Friday, Sept. 20^th @ 4:30 pm.

We all need to let the Commissioners know that they can’t keep increasing rates, without getting spending under control.

The proposed fare increases are on average 30% on top of the rate increases that went into effect this year.  This cost increase will continue to compound every year, leading to greater inefficiencies in operation and maintenance impacting all of us who rely on the ferry as a lifeline to the mainland, and as an essential service provided by the county.

 Here are the two ways to make your voice heard:

1. Tomorrow at the Public Meeting – Tuesday, Sept. 17th at 3pm You can attend  in person, in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room at 1800 Continental Place in Mount Vernon or via Zoom.
2. Via email or by phone at: ferrycomments@co.skagit.wa.us or by calling the Commissioners’ office at (360) 416-1300.

Here are a few talking points based on the 2025 proposal for you to consider as part of your public comment(s):

• Continually increasing rates is not sustainable for the users of the ferry.  It greatly impacts all of us, residents, visitors, and businesses who rely on the ferry to get to and from Anacortes
• It’s time to look closely at the increased costs in ferry operations and determine which ones are truly essential, such as the addition of a new full time assistant ferry manager and implementing a new electronic ticketing system (which is months behind schedule.
• Please reconsider the increased costs for after hours emergency and Haz Mat runs. The increased costs will impact service and costs dramatically.
  • After hours emergency runs will be $500/hr. with a minimum of 3 hrs. = $1500 minimum for a med call
  • Haz mat runs – propane, fuel, etc., will be $750/hr. with a minimum of 3 hrs. = $2250 for the Tuesday propane and fuel run.

Here is the presentation with an overview of the proposed rate increase, and the 2025 fare increase proposal in the Appendix in the 2024 Fare Target Report. 

We know and appreciate that this feels like a futile task to continuously provide public comment and be ignored. However, if we stop talking, then there is no way that the County will ever listen.  Please know that we on the GIFC will continue to be a voice for the community of Guemes, and hope to be of service to all of you to fight for a sustainable way of life on Guemes.

Yours in community, —

Guemes Island Ferry Committee