Anacortes approves $250,000 interlocal with Skagit County to support STAR Center startup

Anacortes council approved a $250,000 interlocal agreement with Skagit County on March 9 to fund the STAR Center's startup and initial operations using opioid-settlement funds.

City staff said the agreement follows the same template other cities in Skagit County are executing; the city's contribution is budgeted and the agreement requires the county to provide quarterly reports on the use of funds. "By this agreement, the city agrees to commit $250,000, which I believe is in the budget, towards the startup and initial operation cost for the first year of the STAR Center," staff said.

Staff reported the city had approximately $299,277 in opioid-settlement funds as of 2025, had spent $15,000 to date (the K-9 unit), and anticipates roughly $485,000 in additional opioid-settlement distributions between 2026 and 2035 from multiple settlements. Susan Hill of the public praised the contribution during a scheduled public comment period, saying the center would be a countywide resource for opioid treatment and rehabilitation.

Council moved, seconded and voted to authorize the mayor to execute the interlocal agreement; the ayes carried and the agreement was approved that evening.