The Island County Planning Commission will probably tackle fewer issues this year as a result of the slow-healing economy.

Island County Commissioner Angie Homola suggested at a meeting Monday that a couple of items be removed from the planning commission’s “docket” of tasks for the year. Specifically, she said updates to the parks plan and affordable housing element of the Comprehensive Plan could wait for another year.

The problem, she said, is that the planning staff is falling behind on their work because a significant portion of the department was laid off due to budget shortfalls.

“I would rather do something right than have to fix it,” she said.

Commissioner John Dean agreed that it was “a brilliant idea.” They agreed to discuss it further at a future meeting.

Currently, the volunteer board has eight items on its docket. They include the creation of development regulations for Freeland and Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, as well as limits of the development of mini-storage units.

Contact Whidbey News Times Assistant editor Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewstimes.com or 360.675.6611 ext. 5056.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.