Coupeville and Island County have reached an agreement to ensure Tuesday evening council meetings won’t get cut short as happened last month.

County officials recently required that all events held in county buildings end by 9 p.m. That move was done as an energy-saving measure. Unfortunately, Coupeville Town Council meetings have a tendency to last well past the deadline.

Mayor Nancy Conard said a deal was reached allowing extended hours in the Commissioners Hearing Room. The agreement capitalizes on the reciprocal arrangement already in place, allowing county staff to use the Coupeville Recreation Hall and the town’s conference room free of charge.

She said the arrangement between the two municipalities can change as circumstances warrant.