Government

A fire department construction bond and escalating housing prices contributed to the rise in property taxes over last year.

A full house packed a Gig Harbor City Council meeting on Monday, Feb. 13, for a hearing on proposed new regulations on short term rentals. About three dozen people spoke in person or via Zoom regarding the proposed regulations. Most opposed allowing short-term rentals, especially in residential neighborhoods. No current regulations The current city code

Chuck Hunter’s legacy from his tenure as mayor of Gig Harbor is visible just about everywhere one looks in the city. His term in office, from 2006 to 2014, saw the opening of St. Anthony Hospital (2009), the Tom Taylor Family YMCA (2007), and the Uptown Gig Harbor shopping complex (2008). The city acquired the

Julie Martin, newly appointed to the Gig Harbor City Council, isn’t fazed by having to dive into big issues her first day on the job. She has an extensive background — more than 35 years — much of it in the public sector. Martin was appointed to the council to fill the seat vacated when

The Gig Harbor City Council on Monday appointed Julie Martin to a vacant council position. Martin retired late last year from the Washington state Department of Corrections, where her recent positions included deputy secretary and chief of staff. Before that, she was sales director for Northstar Lottery in Chicago and deputy director of the Washington

State Rep. Michelle Caldier, R-Port Orchard, has left the Republican caucus over issues with leadership, but hopes to resolve them and return to the party.