Brian Sullivan's eNewsletter
 Snohomish County Council
3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609
Everett, Washington 98201
8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building
Phone: 425-388-3494
E-Mail: Brian.Sullivan@snoco.org
Robert Knoll, Legislative Aide
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Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
This is the busiest time of the year for my office - budget season. In this newsletter I will describe a bit of the budget process as well as my response to the Executive's budget and what ultimately passed unanimously. I'm proud of our efforts - the collaboration of my fellow council members and the countless hours put in by the staff in the Council's Office.
Also in this newsletter you will find holiday events in our District. Enjoy!
As always, I'm honored to be your representative. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions and concerns.
Budget Process
Every year the Executive, along with the finance department and county staff, prepare the annual recommended budget. The proposed budget was presented to the Council in September.
As the legislative branch of Snohomish County, the Council has the responsibility of delegating spending authority to the executive branch and establishes the annual expenditure levels for "all" departments. Council has a few options: pass the budget as is, amend, or rewrite its own budget.
As Council Chair, I worked with Council staff to obtain an understanding of the Executive's Recommended Budget. We reviewed, discussed and considered all proposed decision packages and focused our efforts on identifying any potential savings, particularly within the County's general fund. Additionally, I met with each Council member multiple times to discuss the priorities and met with the County Executive, Executive staff, as well as elected officials.
Public hearings have taken place on the budget. Thank you to all those who came and commented. Comments are also welcome in writing to Contact.Council@snoco.org. I always appreciate your input.
2018 Budget Passes with No Tax Increase
The Executive's recommended 2018 budget included a 4% property tax increase and I gave a great deal of consideration to the Executive's proposal.
I also clearly heard from our citizenry about the ever increasing tax burden faced by hard-working property owners.
After careful consideration on November 13, I put forth a budget with a 2% increase in the property tax.
On November 21, following months of budget analysis and deliberations, the Snohomish County Council passed a 2018 operating budget with a 0% increase in the property tax.
We all shared concerns about increasing the County's share of property taxes at a time when residents will be seeing large tax increases next year, the effects of McCleary and Sound Transit.
Highlights of the Adopted Budget include the following:
- Funding to hire five Sheriff deputies; this matches what was included within the Executive's recommended budget;
- Funding to hire one additional Code Enforcement Officer to help with a regional drug/gang task force;
- $100,000 to provide for nuisance property abatement;
- $100,000 from CDMH funds for the Snohomish County Health District to help address opiate addiction and treatment on demand; and
- $1,000,000 one-time funding from REET 2 for homeless housing projects as allowed by recently passed legislation.
We did our best to make responsible cuts while maintaining appropriate and essential public services.
Everett - Tanks Giving
 December 2, 2017 10 AM - 2 PM
Join the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum on Saturday, December 2nd from 10AM-2PM for the holiday event of the year! Come celebrate this season of giving with Santa’s arrival on a tank, fun crafts set up around the hangar, and holiday treats galore!
Don’t forget to bring your camera! Santa will be waiting to take holiday photos with you and your family!
For more information please visit www.FlyingHeritage.com or call 206-342-4243
Everett - Wintertide Celebration
 November 30, 2017 4 PM - 7 PM
Join us for a FREE community celebration at the Everett Performing Arts Center. All activities are indoors except the train rides.
Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m.
Free rides on the Rotary Express Train
Arts and crafts with Village Theatre and Imagine Children's Museum
Create memories in the holiday photo booth
KIDSTAGE performances of Aladdin KIDS - 5 & 6:30 pm
Take your own photo with Santa
Free hot apple cider, cocoa and cookies by the bonfire
Performances by: North Middle School Jazz Choir, Kamiak Barbershop Ensemble, Camereta Women's Ensemble, Keith Birdsong
This is a perfect opportunity to kick off the holiday season with the family!
Date: Thursday, November 30, 2017
Time: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., between Everett Ave. and California Ave.
Everett - Makers Market Shop Small Business Saturday
 November 25, 2017 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Join us for a fun day celebrating the small businesses in your community! We have a talented group of local makers ready to help you check off some of those holiday wish list items and The Anchor Pub will have some tasty food and beverage specials to tickle your taste buds while you visit!
As always the Everett Makers Market is a free and family friendly event where all are welcome. Keep an eye out for some sweet giveaways via our selfie station.
#everettmakersmarket #shopsmall #smallbusinesssaturday
Makers:
Squirrel Vs Coyote
Spark Plug Industries
Snooter-doots
Phenix Paper Co.
JES Design Studio
Salato
Cat Snapp Studio
Vertical Gardens Northwest
Aesir Meadery
The Art of Rosemary
Elizabeth Person Art & Design
Eli Wolff
Quintessential Arts
Purely Posh Soap Co
Live Inspired Jewelry
Shop Evies Place
Mukilteo - Santa at the Historic Flight Foundation
 December 3, 2017 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Stroll among unique vintage aircraft, partake in children activities, and meet Santa!
10719 Bernie Webber Drive, Mukilteo, WA 98275.
Contact us at 425-348-3200.
Tulalip - Festival of Trees
 November 28 – December 2, 2017 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Festival of Trees opens its doors to the community to view the beautifully decorated holiday trees and wreaths. Sip on refreshments and enjoy cookies while watching local community groups perform. Children's crafts begin at 3 PM, and bring your camera for photos with Santa!
This event is free and open to the public
Tulalip - Teddy Bear Breakfast
 December 2, 2017 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Guests at Teddy Bear Breakfast enjoy a scrumptious breakfast, live entertainment by Tim Noah, tree-viewing, raffles, and a teddy bear store hosted by Providence General Children's Association. All proceeds directly benefit Providence General Children’s Association.
Tickets are $30/person.
Please visit the website linked to download a form to place your order. Checks & order forms can be mailed to:
Teddy Bear Breakfast Reservations
Providence General Children's Association
PO Box 13228
Everett, WA 98206
You may also purchase online here. Please note, a credit card handling fee of $1.50 will be added to the cost of each ticket.
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