Submitted by San Juan County.

During the Tuesday, March 24 meeting on Lopez Island, Council adopted an updated interlocal agreement with the Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District that reinforces a continued partnership between the County and the District for the next 10 years.

On Dec. 16, the County authorized a three-month extension of the current ILA to run Jan. 1 through March 31. This additional time allowed the County and the District to examine how best to frame a new agreement that would support the District’s future operations of the site and the County’s engagement as the Governing Body for the District.

“I’m very pleased with the results of the collaborative conversations over the last several months that have helped align the County and LSWDD on a shared vision for the continuation of the beloved and essential services provide[d] by ‘The Dump’ and ‘TIOLI’ on Lopez Island. I am deeply appreciative of the significant investment of time and effort by County staff, Pam Stewart and Ross MacDonald of the Managing Board of the District, and Rick Carr, the District Manager,” said District 3 Council Member Jane Fuller. “I look forward to supporting the strong working relationship between the County and the District in the years ahead.”

Updates to the new interlocal agreement reflect the terms of San Juan County Code Chapter 8.12 and help to ensure the facility’s continued compliance with County Code and state law, while also reflecting the important role of the District in the oversight and management of operations at the site. The changes in the ILA provide a new 10-year duration, from 2025 to 2035.

The County looks forward to continuing this important partnership in support of the efforts of LSWDD to provide award-winning solid waste services, including sustainable recycling, for years to come.

For more information, contact Jessica Hudson, county manager, at jessicah@sanjuancountywa.gov.