Two-boat schedule
Washington State Ferries has temporarily reduced the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route to two boats beginning Monday, Dec. 8, for roughly one week. The change is needed as the Chelan enters dry dock for required U.S. Coast Guard maintenance, according to WSF. The third vessel will return once the Tillikum completes repairs and is cleared through sea trials, allowing other ferries to shift back into place. In a release, WSF said the adjustment reflects the challenges of maintaining an aging fleet.
Voice of Vashon
Voice of Vashon is seeking a general manager.
The 30-hour-a-week job oversees the programming team for VoV’s AM-FM radio stations, Channel 21 TV, streaming and podcasting programs. The general manager will serve as spokesperson and public face for the organization and collaborate with VoV’s board and other community groups. Also, the GM will oversee daily operations, including finance. A college degree and media experience are a plus, but not a requirement. To apply, send a cover letter, with a resume and professional references, to Voice of Vashon Search Committee, P.O. Box 2397, or email jflora@outlook.com by Dec. 12.
Minimum wage increase
The minimum wage in unincorporated King County will rise on Jan. 1, increasing from $20.29 to $20.82 an hour as part of the county’s annual inflation adjustment.
Smaller employers will still have reduced wage requirements during the phase-in period, though the gap narrows each year. All businesses will eventually move to a single minimum wage tied to inflation.
For 2026, the county’s updated rates are: $18.32/hour for employers with 15 or fewer workers and under $2 million in annual revenue; $19.82/hour for employers with 15 or fewer workers and at least $2 million in revenue; and $19.82/hour for employers with more than 15 but fewer than 500 workers.
Businesses with 500 or more employees already pay the full minimum wage.
New environmental health permitting system
Public Health – Seattle & King County will debut a new online permitting platform, the Public Health Permit Center, on Dec. 10. The system will handle food business permits, on-site sewage applications, plumbing and gas piping permits, plan reviews and other environmental health services. To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/2fddvyrv.
New tools for septic system users
Public Health – Seattle & King County has released new resources to help residents maintain aging septic systems, more than 85,000 of which are in use countywide. The latest Septic Matters newsletter includes maintenance tips, information on obtaining system records and details on a rebate program that offers up to $500 for eligible repairs. Residents can subscribe to receive seasonal updates. To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/59zrbn2c.
County seeks members for law enforcement committee
King County is recruiting residents to serve on its Community Advisory Committee for Law Enforcement, a group that recommends improvements to policies, practices and operations within the King County Sheriff’s Office.
Committee members learn about community experiences with policing, collaborate with others to identify local needs, and help ensure public feedback reaches the Office of Law Enforcement Oversight, the Sheriff’s Office and the County Council. The committee also advises on equity and social justice issues in policing and supports community-led efforts to strengthen public safety. To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/4zbf8xbd.
Bag fee increase starts Jan. 1
Beginning Jan. 1, shoppers in Washington will pay 12 cents for each reusable plastic carryout bag at stores and restaurants, up from the current 8 cents. The increase, part of the state’s 2020 plastic bag law, is intended to encourage customers to bring their own bags. Paper bags will remain at a minimum charge of 8 cents.
Washington’s single-use plastic bag ban, in effect since 2021, prohibits thin disposable bags and sets recycled-content and durability standards for compliant paper and plastic bags.
Bag fees are taxable retail charges that go to the business. Shoppers using WIC, TANF, SNAP or EBT benefits are exempt, as are food banks.
Flood control
King County Flood Control District is now making sandbag materials available free of charge to help protect homes, businesses and property during the current flood season.
On Vashon, find sandbag materials at the Vashon Island Fire & Rescue property operated by King County Roads at 10019 SW Bank Rd. The self-service site (bring your own shovel) is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Islanders are limited to 25 sandbags per vehicle.
Sandbag materials are also available at multiple other locations throughout King County. Find a full list of locations and instructions for proper sandbag use at tinyurl.com/2cn4e5uh.
“Preparing for flooding before heavy rain arrives can make a huge difference in protecting people and property,” said King County Flood Control District Chair Reagan Dunn. “The Flood Control District invests in flood risk reduction projects across King County, but we also want residents to have the tools and information they need to protect their homes and neighborhoods. Programs like free sandbag distribution are an important part of keeping our communities safe.”
The King County area typically experiences its highest flood risks between October and April, when heavy rainfall, saturated soils and rising river levels can combine to cause flooding.
“When rain events coincide with King Tides, flood risk can rise quickly,” said King County Flood Control District Supervisor Teresa Mosqueda. “Taking advantage of the free sandbag program now is a simple, effective way to protect your property.”
King Tides — defined as tides above the highest water level reached by an average daily high tide — are the highest predicted tides of the year and are expected to occur between Jan. 4–6.
The district encourages all residents to review their flood risk and make a preparedness plan.
