Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard is leaving the town in “great” condition after 20 years as the town’s top leader, she announced last week.

During her final State of the Town Address last week, Conard said serving has been a privilege.

“There’s so many great things about living in the heart of Ebey’s Reserve,” Conard said. “But the bottom line is it’s the people that make it the best.”

As Conard’s term comes to a close this December, with it she brings the completion of the Madrona Way Project, which is slated for completion next month.

The water-and-utility project is years in the making and something Conard wanted to get done before she left office.

While there were a few hiccups at the start of the project this summer, she said, it hasn’t gone too badly.

“The best part is how patient the neighbors on that street are,” she said.

Now that the bulk of that work is done, the town can now move onto other projects.

Conard said this next year the town will be working on updating its Comprehensive Plan.

“It’s the document that creates a vision for our community,” she said.

New projects starting

There are also some new construction projects being planned.

“There are several projects we’ve had budgeted, but haven’t been able to get to,” Conard said.

The projects include improvements to the municipal parking lot by the library, including the walkway on Alexander Street and parking lot lights.

Conard said there’s also money budgeted for work on the Holbrook Barn and a public restroom near the community green. Right now, she said, the idea is to put a bathroom on the side of the Holbrook Barn.

The town also has funds for renovations to the public restrooms at the Town Park.

Town utility users can also expect to see a rate increase in the next year as the town reviews its infrastructure needs.

“We haven’t had a water increase in 22 years or a sewer increase in 18 years,” Conard said. “It’s time.”

Town finances

When it comes to evaluating the fiscal health of town, Conard said looking at the town’s various taxes is a good indicator.

“Those who’ve listened to my address before know I’m conservative,” she said. “I budget low on revenue and high on expenses and I always end up with more money in the bank than expected.”

While it’s the smallest municipality on the island, Coupeville is unique in that it’s home to big entities that don’t generate property tax, according to Conard.

“But we occasionally have a big bond project and the construction from those generate sales tax,” she said.

In 2006, one major contractor paid $88,297 in local taxes. With the hospital bond project underway, the town is expecting a boost in sales tax.

While the last 20 years has brought ups and downs, the town has managed to fare pretty well.

One major boost to Coupeville’s economy was a change in sales tax legislation in 2003. The change allowed the town to collect sales tax based on the point of delivery.

“We started to replace what we were losing from construction,” she said. “We’ve really been able to weather some of those challenges that effected other communities. We’re pretty solid in what we’re collecting now.”

Strong businesses

Coupeville also has a strong business community with very few vacancies, something Conard said she boasts about.

“It was a real disappointment when Linds closed, but I’m confident something else will go in,” she said.

Conard said she is also excited about the news that Prairie Center Red Apple owner Ken Hofkamp just purchased the former ProBuild location on Terry Road with the hopes of starting another lumber yard.

The town’s lodging industry also remains strong. With 17 reported B&Bs in town, Conard said there are also many lodging opportunities in people’s homes that aren’t reported.

“There’s no way to measure how successful that is,” she said.

And visitors continue to flock to Coupeville each year.

“The character, personality of the people — that’s the draw,” Conard said. “The state of Coupeville is great. People believe in what’s happening in the community.”