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Marine stewardship and underwater archeology, page 4
Eagle SkyeNet presents on local eagle population, page 14
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New hospital district Music, dancing and joy at PaddyFest 2026 commissioner and superintendent By Erin Kelly
Vic Riley was appointed commissioner number three for the Point Roberts Hospital District at its March 4 meeting. In his introduction the previous month, Riley said he was a founding commissioner who first took office in 2005 and highlighted the clinic’s growth, calling the current urgent care model “perfect for the community.” Riley said his priority is restoring stability after several years of disruption, noting the provider “has never had a stable year here,” citing COVID, attempted contract takeovers and inconsistent board support. He said the district needs to review its contract and finances to ensure long-term sustainability and plans to take a data-driven approach, starting with identifying stakeholder needs before developing solutions. Those concerns were reflected in the district’s current financial picture. Clinic practice manager Alexandra Wiley confirmed a projected $102,000 loss for 2026, adding losses have occurred “every year … just at about that same rate,” and are covered by revenue from the Bellingham SuperTrack Urgent Care Clinic. The district’s $16,000 monthly subsidy has remained unchanged since 2019 despite expanded services. Riley said inflation has reduced the value of that subsidy, noting “$16,000 in 2019 is worth a little less than $12,000 today,” and added the provider is “not being fully compensated for everything they provide us.” He also questioned the district’s growing reserves, saying, “It doesn’t make any sense for the district to get richer and the provider to get poorer.” District funds are approaching $500,000, while annual levy revenue is about $300,000 and limited by state caps. Board members acknowledged funds have accumulated without a clear plan and discussed the need for clearer financial reporting and a better understanding of cash flow and contracts. Riley said the board will begin by defining the problem, emphasizing, “We start with what are the needs … before we think about solutions.” Following an executive session, Farrah Carsten was appointed superintendent, replacing Javid Nouripour, who was hired in January 2025. Carsten has served as the district administrative clerk since 2018 and financial auditing officer since 2025.
PaddyFest proved to be a lively music and dance festival on March 7. The Coming Up Threes (pictured above), The Whiskeydicks and The Seattle Irish Dance Company performed for a full house. See more photos on page 10.
Photo by Ashley Strub
Parks District missing funds, new commissioner appointed By Erin Kelly The Point Roberts Park and Recreation District discussed several financial issues at its regular March meeting at the community center, including a delayed grant reimbursement, a bond account discrepancy and a budget overrun. Administrator Dee Gough said the district cannot claim $66,000 in reimbursement for electric vehicle charger installation because
required state labor documentation was not completed during the project. She said staff had been told the paperwork was not required, which she attributed to a commissioner no longer serving on the board, and reimbursement cannot be processed until contractors and subcontractors submit the missing documents. Gough also reported a $10,889 discrepancy in the district’s general obligation (GO) bond account.
How the Raven came to Point Roberts By Annelle Norman, Executive
D i r e c t o r , P o i n t R o be r t s
Circle of Care Transportation is one of the biggest barriers facing many Point Roberts residents, particularly seniors and those without reliable vehicles. Reaching services on the mainland can be one of the biggest practical challenges of living in our unique community.
Back in late summer of 2023 a discussion was started at a Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee (PRCAC) meeting on why Point Roberts was not getting transit service from Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA). Previously, WTA attempted to serve Point Roberts through various means, including a WTA operated van, zone service, taxi service (See Raven, page 7)
Voters approved the bond in 2013, authorizing up to $250,000 for improvements to the Point Roberts Community Center, repaid through a dedicated property tax levy. When the final payment came due, the district transferred $10,889 from its general fund to complete it. “I’m working with the state au(See Missing funds, page 11)
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Church ........................................... 10 Classifieds ..................................... 12 Coming Up .....................................13 Obituaries ........................................ 7 Opinion ............................................ 4 Seniors ............................................ 11 Tides ............................................... 14