Mayor Dean Maxwell suggested to the Council that the Anacortes Futures Project that approving just $12,500 “is the prudent approach,” for the time being, recommending the Council look at funding another $12,500 next year.
Under a plan proposed by the project steering committee, the City would throw in $25,000, the Port of Anacortes another $25,000, the Chamber of Commerce would commit $12,500 and MJB Properties, probably the largest owner of undeveloped land near downtown, would contribute $12,500.
Council member Cynthia Richardson noted that the Port’s Board had approved their full $25,000 share and suggested the Council should do the same. “If the city goes ahead with $25,000, we would be leveraging the money and get that much further ahead.” Richardson pointed out that the agreement called for other parties to commit one-half of what the City contributes.
Council member Bill Turner agreed. “$25,000 is a good idea, but I’m not sure we’ll get what we want at $12,500,” Turner said.
But, other Council members were reluctant to committee the full amount at this time. Brad Adams said, “By throwing $12,500 in the pot now, we won’t go broke. We’ll watch and we can come back later.”
The Anacortes Futures Project committee plans to hire a consultant at $75,000 for the 2-year project to try to develop a vision of Anacortes in the years ahead in consultation with the citizens, businesses and other interested parties.