Looking back at the end of another year is interesting but nonproductive as you can’t do anything about what’s already happened. It’s looking ahead to the next year, in this case 2011, where you can make your fortune or repent your sins, depending on your outlook. Here’s some of what we can expect in Island County in 2011.

Finding their new Water Utility Tax falling short of projected revenues, the county commissioners decide to tax rain by the inch. Immediately, property values in the rain shadow of Coupeville soar as refugees from the convergence zone in Clinton flood in. The county takes over the abandoned Clinton property, turning it into a park called Ferry Land. Tourists can pay to walk on the ferry, but there’s no fuel to actually go anywhere.

In Oak Harbor, the downtown reconstruction project goes well except the contractor mistakenly makes the one-way street go west rather than east. As a result, the college, library, marina and Seaplane base have to be abandoned as there is no way to get there.

At the request of newly-elected Tea Party Republican Commissioner Kelly Emerson, the county adopts a new flag stating: “Don’t Tread on Me, Tread on a Beachwatcher.”

In order to save time, the county commissioners agree that all future votes in 2011 will be 2-1, with Emerson in the minority.

The Island County Economic Development Council appoints Michelle O’Kelly as director. Her idea of a nude “gentlemen’s club” in Oak Harbor was the only one offered in 2010 that seemed to have any potential for success. “Get Your Good Nudes in Island County” was to be the chamber’s new advertising slogan.

Whidbey Island Naval Air Station’s mission is expanded as America invades Antarctica, hoping we can beat the penguins. We install a shady-looking guy in a tuxedo as president and pay him off with Fisheral Reserve funds. Meanwhile, Americans wearing tuxedos are hauled in for body searhes by Homeland Security.

Gov. Chris Gregoire, who shortened her first name to save ink on state letterhead, announces there is absolutely no money left for education. Students are left to tweet for themselves.

By the end of 2011 Island County is without ferry service, all its schools are closed, the rainwater tax isn’t being paid, and the commissioners hang “Closed Until Further Notice” signs at Deception Pass Bridge and the two abandoned ferry docks. On the Internet, irate residents complain about the cost of the signs.