Skagit County is beginning its annual process for setting the Guemes Island Ferry fare schedule and adopting the County’s 2027 budget.
Several meetings and public comment periods are scheduled between August and December. Some meetings are informational only, while others provide opportunities to submit written comments or speak directly to the County Commissioners.
The Guemes Island Ferry Committee encourages island residents and ferry users to follow the process, review the information as it becomes available, and participate during the designated public comment periods.
August: Draft Fare Report and Community Discussion
August 4–18
Early public comment period
The County will accept early public comments on the draft ferry fare revenue target report and the proposed 2027 ferry fare schedule.
Comments received during this period will be shared with the County Commissioners before their televised presentation on August 18.
Thursday, August 6, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
County Commissioners’ work session
The Commissioners will discuss the draft ferry fare revenue target report and proposed 2027 ferry fare schedule in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room.
Residents may listen in person or through Zoom.
Public comment will not be taken during this work session.
Tuesday, August 18, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Televised presentation to the County Commissioners
County staff will present the draft ferry fare revenue target report and proposed 2027 ferry fare schedule in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room.
Residents may attend in person, join through Zoom, or watch the presentation on TV21.
Public comment will not be taken during this presentation.
Wednesday, August 19, 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Annual Guemes Island community meeting
Public Works staff will host the annual community meeting on Guemes Island. Staff will discuss and answer questions about:
- The 2027 ferry fare revenue target report
- The proposed 2027 fare schedule
- Current and upcoming ferry projects
The meeting will be held at the Guemes Island Community Hall.
September: Formal Public Comment and Hearing
September 3–22
Formal written public comment period
The County will accept formal written comments on the proposed 2027 ferry fare schedule.
This is an important opportunity for residents and ferry users to provide comments that will become part of the official fare-setting process.
Tuesday, September 22, 8:30–10:00 a.m.
Public hearing on the proposed fare schedule
The County Commissioners will hold a public hearing in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room.
Residents may attend and provide comments:
- In person
- Through Zoom
The hearing will also be televised on TV21. Please note that people watching only through TV21 will not be able to provide public comments during the hearing.
October: Budget Discussions and Fare Adoption
Throughout October
County budget work sessions
The Commissioners will hold their annual series of budget work sessions throughout October.
The complete schedule has not yet been released. We will share the dates when Public Works and the Guemes Island Ferry budget are scheduled for discussion.
Tuesday, October 20, 8:30 a.m.
Consideration of the 2027 ferry fare schedule
The County Commissioners are scheduled to consider adoption of the 2027 Guemes Island Ferry fare schedule in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room.
December: Final Budget Hearings and Adoption
Monday, December 7, 11:00 a.m.
Public hearing on the proposed 2027 Budget
The Commissioners will receive public testimony on the proposed 2027 budget.
The County will also publish a written public comment period for the draft budget. Details will be shared when they become available.
Monday, December 14, 2:00 p.m.
Consideration of the 2027 Budget
The County Commissioners are scheduled to consider final adoption of the 2027 budget.
How to Stay Involved
Not every meeting includes public comment, but each step offers a chance to better understand how ferry fares and the ferry budget are developed.
Watch for additional information about:
- How and where to submit written comments
- Zoom participation links
- Meeting documents and staff reports
- The location of the August 19 community meeting
- October budget work-session dates
The Guemes Island Ferry Committee will continue sharing confirmed dates, participation instructions, and links as they become available.
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