Port Ludlow Village Council Board Meeting Summary

This briefing synthesizes the critical information presented at the Port Ludlow Village Council meeting on January 6.

Jefferson County PUD Update

●      Power Grid Update: Weathering the atmospheric rivers

○      Widespread Impact: At the peak of the storm, over 10,200 homes, more than 50% of all PUD customers, lost power.

○      Understanding Repair Times: The complexity of the damage determines how long repairs take. A standard utility pole takes 6-8 hours to repair, while a massive 75-to-90-foot transmission pole can take up to 12 hours to replace.

○      Help from Our Neighbors: Our local PUD received "mutual aid" from a neighboring public utility, demonstrating how these essential services cooperate during major weather events to restore power more quickly.

●      The Flow of Information - PUD Water System News: Utility rate increases are being studied across the region, not just in Port Ludlow. These studies are necessary to determine how to fund the significant costs of maintaining and replacing aging infrastructure. A prime example is the Coyle water system, where a $1.3 million contract was just approved to begin a major pipe replacement project.

Port Ludlow Associates Update

●      Falls Terrace Development Update: The new Falls Terrace development is still in a complex planning phase, with developers expecting to have more concrete ideas on the number and layout of home lots within the next month. In response to questions from residents passionate about the trail system, the council received direct reassurance that the beloved Falls trails will be maintained and that development will not involve clearing right up to the trail edges.

●      Village Center, Roads, and the RV Park

○      RV Park Closure: The Port Ludlow RV Park is currently scheduled to permanently close on October 31, 2026.

○      Village Center Entrance Repair: The potholed entrance road to the Village Center, located by the gas station, is slated to be repaved very soon.

○      Breaker Lane Traffic: There is an ongoing community conversation about how to best manage traffic on Breaker Lane. Many drivers use it as a "shortcut," causing significant wear and tear on the private road.

●      Local Real Estate Snapshot For those with friends or family looking to move to the area, it was noted that Richmond American Homes has lowered the price of a house to $550,000 and is also offering a 3% interest rate buydown for potential buyers.

●      OWSI News

○      A Critical Request for All Residents: The Cross-Connection Survey If you have not completed this survey from OWSI, do so! The State requires 100% participation.

○      What to Look for in Your Next Bill: Your February OWSI bill will include a letter detailing two surcharges:

■      Ice Pigging Surcharge

■      Wastewater Treatment Plant Surcharge A new charge of approximately $22 per billing cycle (every other month) to begin funding the treatment plant upgrade project.

Council Business

●      The 2026 Council Budget is Approved: The council reviewed and officially approved its operating budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The budget covers administrative costs and community events. While it projects a small deficit, the council confirmed it has sufficient cash reserves to cover all planned expenses.

●      Celebrating Our Trails and Volunteers: The Trails Committee report highlighted the incredible dedication of our community volunteers.

○      In 2025, volunteers contributed over 1,573 hours to building and maintaining our extensive trail system. This amazing effort, combined with partnerships with local HOAs, is what makes our trail network a premier community asset for all to enjoy.

●      How You Can Stay Informed and Participate Your voice and participation are vital to our community. Here are two immediate ways you can get involved:

○      Community Calendar: The council website features a community calendar. All residents and local clubs are encouraged to submit their events to help create a central, go-to resource for what's happening in Port Ludlow.

○      Resident Survey: The 2026 Resident Survey is currently live. Please take a few minutes to share your feedback and help guide the council's priorities for the coming year.

○      Starting this month: It will be easier for residents to engage directly with our local public safety officials.

■      A representative from East Jefferson Fire Rescue will now attend the council meeting every month.

■      A representative from the Sheriff's Office will attend the meeting on a quarterly basis. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get to know the people who serve our community.

Thank you for taking the time to catch up on what's happening at the Council. All residents are warmly invited to attend future Village Council meetings. We look forward to seeing you, hearing your ideas, and welcoming you into our active and engaged community of volunteers!