Councilman Nehring's December Newsletter

Snohomish County Newsdesk of Nate Nehring

Dear North County Neighbors,

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. In this month’s newsletter, I will share information about the adopted 2019 Snohomish County budget, an update on our Regional Apprenticeship Pathways Program, and Snohomish County’s new Veteran’s Wall of Honor.

On Monday, November 19th, the Snohomish County Council adopted our 2019 budget. The budget was passed unanimously and shortly thereafter signed by Executive Somers. This budget is a fiscally responsible plan which does not rely on a property tax increase to the county’s general levy. I am pleased that, for the second year in a row, the Council voted for a 0% general property tax increase. This shows our commitment to the taxpayers that we will focus on doing more with less and spending your valuable tax dollars more efficiently.

This budget strikes the important balance between funding priorities while preparing for the next economic downturn. The first and most important priority of local government is public safety. With that in mind, I am proud of the five additional Sheriff’s Deputies included in the 2019 budget. This adds to the five which were added in 2018 to address the growing concerns over gang violence, drugs, and property crimes in our communities. The budget also builds up our fund balance to 14% (up from 11% in 2018). A strong fund balance is an important priority for me so that we can maintain important county government functions without turning to tax increases when revenues do not come in as strong as they are currently. We also made a historic $2.5 million contribution to the county’s Revenue Stabilization Fund. This fund (also called the rainy day fund) requires a supermajority of the County Council to spend this money, ensuring that it is only used when absolutely necessary. The $2.5 million addition to the Revenue Stabilization Fund is the largest since its inception and puts us in a stronger position to respond to the next economic downturn.

As we get closer to the legislative session, we have been working diligently with our Trade School Collaborative stakeholders and legislators for the Regional Apprenticeship Pathways (RAP) Program. We are requesting $1.5 million in funding for the program from the state legislature. This will fund the operating costs to create a seamless pipeline for high school students and young adult learners to enter into a career in the skilled construction trades. State Representative Mike Sells has been a great partner and advocate for the program. He is sponsoring a bill to introduce in the upcoming session to establish the RAP Program. Senator Steve Hobbs is another great partner and he is introducing the companion bill in the Senate. We are working with other legislators for support as we approach session starting in January.

On Friday, November 16th, I joined Executive Dave Somers and Council Vice-Chair Terry Ryan at the unveiling of our new Veteran’s Wall of Honor on the County Campus. I spoke about the many dedicated veterans employed by Snohomish County and the many more in our communities that continue to serve after their military service has ended. The wall was designed by veterans and recognizes all of the Snohomish County employees that have served with a bronze coin on the wall. I am proud of Snohomish County for its continued support and recognition of the veterans in our communities. I have included some pictures from the event below:

Veterans Wall 1Veterans Wall 2


As always, my office is available to help you with any concerns or questions you may have about your county government. Please do not hesitate in reaching out to me at 425-388-3494 or Nate.Nehring@snoco.org. I will continue to send monthly newsletters to keep you informed about how I am representing you on the Snohomish County Council.

 

Sincerely,

 

Nate Nehring
Councilmember, District 1

Nehring Newsletter Picture

Snohomish County Council
3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609
Everett, Washington 98201
 
8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building 
Phone: 425-388-3494
E-Mail: Nate.Nehring@snoco.org

 

Russell Wiita, Legislative Aide