Anacortes Mayor Dean Maxwell addressed a Chamber of Commerce crowd of about 80 people Thursday, concluding the “state of the city” is positive despite challenges including reduced state and federal assistance. The detailed report noted completion of a 17-year project to replace 36-inch water lines from the Skagit River. In addition to local residents, Anacortes water customers include two refineries, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and much of the City of Oak Harbor. Maxwell, two years into his fourth four-year term as mayor, reported the city budget is once again “balanced.” He lauded City staff and “partners” including local volunteers and members of the business community.