Some big changes are coming down the pike for Town of Coupeville as Mayor Nancy Conard says she will not seek a sixth term in office.

“I’ve been talking with friends and family about it for some time,” Conard said. “Twenty years seems like it’s about enough.

“It’s time for me to take some time,” she added.

Conard’s term as mayor as well as three other council positions are up for reelection in November.

And at least two of those council seats will be open. Both council members Molly Hughes and Bob Clay said they are not planning on running again for their seats.

“I felt 12 years was good,” Hughes said. “I really enjoyed being on council. It would be good to get some new blood.”

Council members Jackie Henderson also has a seat up for reelection.

Clay, who’s served four terms in office said, “I think this was a long enough time.”

A call to Henderson was not returned as of press time.

Conard’s years of service have been unique; she serves as both elected mayor and as the town administrator.

With her departure in sight, council members and town staff are already taking measures to adjust.

Tuesday evening the council began discussions about revising Ordinance 624, which was drafted in 2002 and addresses the mayor’s duties and salary.

“For a long time the salary for mayor was for $500 a month,” she said. “It was when I started.”

Shortly after Conard took office, the clerk left and the new mayor assumed many of that position’s administrative responsibilities, Conard explained.

Conard went to council and asked for either someone else to assume those tasks or compensate her for doing them.

The council drafted an ordinance that requires the mayor to submit a plan for administration within 90 days of taking office. The council could then review and adjust pay accordingly, Conard said. That ordinance has been updated several times, most recently with 624.

“She was uniquely qualified,” Hughes said. “We knew that perfect storm of skills wouldn’t come around again.”

Under 624, the council set Conard’s current pay at $32.83 an hour or about $68,000 a year.

Draft Ordinance 719 would replace 624 and sets the mayor’s pay at $3,000 a month with benefits. It also reverts the position’s duties to that of a standard mayor position.

Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance at its next regular council meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 14.

Other steps the town has taken include increasing staffing in the planning department and also hiring a town clerk who could also potentially fill the role of administrator.

“Our hope was that that position could take on more responsibility,” Hughes said.

While the council hasn’t made any decisions in that regard, the town did advertise the clerk position as potentially becoming a town administrator.

“There’s more work to do,” Conard said. “There may be some additional staffing changes to pick up some of my duties.”

Filing Week begins Monday, May 11. Those wishing to run for an open position should contact the Island County Auditor’s Office.