Board of Island County Commissioners

Agendas, Minutes & Meeting Videos

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval. 

• Regular Meeting Agendas & Videos
  • Previous Regular Meeting Minutes
• Work Session Agendas and Minutes

Function of the Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is Island County's legislative and executive authority and is comprised of three commissioners elected to four-year terms. Island County is divided into three geographic districts based on population. Each commissioner must be living in the district from which they are elected. The commissioners' positions are partisan and are nominated in a primary election embracing only their particular district. All voters in Island county are given an opportunity in the general election to select who will serve.

The commissioners are charged with overseeing county operations, financial and budgetary matters and the adoption of laws that regulate county growth, health, safety and welfare of its citizens.

Public Comments

If you would like to make an oral public comment, see the upcoming agenda links listed above.

Email the Board to provide written comments. In your comment, include the date of the hearing and the item for which you want to provide written comment. Written comments will not be read during the meeting. All board members will receive the written comments.

Participation Guidelines

• Online and In-Person Public Participation Guidelines (PDF) available for review.

Mission Statement

Quality Services for a Quality Life

Guiding Principles

• Provide for the long term health and safety of the people, the economy and our natural resources.
• Assure customer service and promote operational excellence and efficiencies of Island County.
• Promote active participation in government.
• Fulfill our constitutional responsibilities, holding ourselves to a high standard of accountability, transparency, ethics and fairness.
• Maintain agricultural and recreational opportunities while strengthening our economic vitality.

Board History

On April 4, 1853, the first Island County Commissioners' meeting took place in Coveland, the newly designated county seat. Coveland was located on Penn Cove northwest of Coupeville. The meeting was held at the home of Commissioner John Alexander. The other two commissioners attending were John Crockett and Samuel D. Howe.

Island County was one of four counties carved out of Thurston County by the Oregon Territorial Legislature. At the time, it included the future Island, San Juan, Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties.

The first regular business for the commission was a proposed road to Coveland from Ebey's Landing on the west side of the island. The board approved a petition for the road from Col. Isaac N, Ebey (1818-57) and 11 others. They appointed Ebey, Daniel Show, and Samuel Crockett to lay out the county road, as requested. They also appointed Hugh Crockett as sheriff.