tProposal would boost fee for noxious weed prevention, up to $10

The San Juan County Council last week delayed its decision on whether to raise the price islanders pay for the control of noxious weeds following a tug of war over the potential fee increase.

Twenty minutes proved too short for the number of islanders who testified about the proposal — both for and against — at an Oct. 14 public hearing, and for the council to weigh that testimony, debate its merits, and reach a decision in the alloted time.

The proposed increase, a $5-$10 hike in annual fees most property owners, including those in Friday Harbor, pay for a prevention program aimed at noxious weeds, will be back before the council Nov. 18, presumably for a decision.

Enacted six years ago, the existing $5 fee (or slightly more for parcels of 50 acres or more) generated about $73,000 in its inaugural year. A year ago, it produced $75,750 in revenue, a net increase of less than four percent over that 5-year period.

Counties are required by state law to either control, combat, or eradicate noxious weeds depending on its type and the threat it poses. The A-list weeds, like purple starthistle, giant hogweed and two types of knapweed, are targeted for eradication, while B types, such as scotch broom and tansy ragwort, must be contained.

According to members of the Noxious Weed Control Board, an appointed panel of volunteers, the increase would generate about $110,000 a year and keep the program fully staffed and funded through 2013. Roughly 64 percent of all property owners would pay less than $12.16 a year, according to the Weed Board, and 84 percent, including those in Friday Harbor, would pay less than $16.21.

Citing a sagging national, global and local economy, critics not only questioned the timing of the increase, but also the value that property owners would receive if it were approved. Several questioned the relevancy of the prevention program itself, and whether even existing fees are justified.