Public Safety Sales Tax 

Last month, the Snohomish County Council deliberated on a proposal by the County Executive to place a public safety sales tax measure on the November general election ballot for voters to consider. I have significant concerns about the idea of raising the sales tax rate, given that the current sales tax burden is already heavy and in some areas we have the highest sales tax rate in Washington State and on the entire West Coast. On the other hand, I believe public safety is the top priority of local government and understand the resource needs in the criminal justice system. 

While I would not be supportive of implementing this tax through a Council vote, I do support giving voters the opportunity to weigh the burden of additional taxes against the benefit of additional criminal justice resources. The voters of Snohomish County are the ones who will be most impacted, one way or the other, by this proposal, and so it is only appropriate that the decision rests with them.  

Prior to the unanimous vote to place this measure on the November general election ballot, I introduced two amendments to the proposal which were both approved by the County Council. The first amendment requires that if the measure passes, a majority of the funds be required to go toward the criminal justice system (Sheriff’s Office, Prosecutor, Public Defense, and Courts). The second amendment requires that 90% of the revenues are spent on new resources (rather than funding existing expenditures). These amendments help to ensure that we are transparent with voters. You can read more about the proposal in the Everett Herald’s coverage here. 

Meeting with Deputy Sheriff’s Association

On Friday, July 19th, I met with representatives from the Snohomish County Deputy Sheriff’s Association (DSA), the union representing our deputy sheriffs. We discussed issues related to public safety in the county, ideas for retaining quality staff within the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, and the challenges faced by our law enforcement personnel every day. I appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. These check-ins help me to make informed decisions on policy and budget on the County Council. Thank you to the DSA members who made the time to meet with me last month.  

Update on Secure Withdrawal Management and Stabilization Facility

During the 2024 budget process, I introduced a proposal to allocate seed funding for a Secure Withdrawal Management and Stabilization (SWMS) facility in Snohomish County. SWMS facilities provide involuntary substance abuse treatment for individuals determined to be a risk to themselves or others as a result of their drug addiction. 

While we have jail as a consequence for those committing crimes and treatment programs available for those willing to voluntarily accept help, a gap exists for those who are struggling with a substance abuse issue but are unwilling or incapable of voluntarily accepting help. There is bipartisan support for a tool to fill that gap: involuntary commitment. However, we currently have 0 beds in Snohomish County for this approach.  

My proposal in the 2024 budget process was approved by the County Council and now there is a workgroup to determine options for siting and building this SWMS facility. The next steps for the effort include neighborhood outreach, service operator selection, land use entitlements, design and engineering, development permits, contractor selection, and construction. 

I am excited that Snohomish County is moving toward this important facility as another tool in our toolbox for addressing the devastating drug crisis which is impacting every one of our communities.  

Stilly Valley Museum’s Pioneer Day

Comprehensive Plan Public Hearings

The Snohomish County Council will be holding Public Hearings on August 19th at 6:00 PM and August 21st at 10:30 AM for our Comprehensive Plan update. This is an opportunity for the County Council to receive public testimony on the various ordinances that comprise the update. The comprehensive plan is a 20-year planning document guiding the County’s policies regarding land use, housing, transportation, capital facilities, natural environment, parks and recreation, and economic development. This has been a multi-year process and has involved significant public outreach and engagement. 

To learn more about the proposed changes, visit the project website here. 

August 6th Primary

By now you should have received your ballot for the upcoming primary election on August 6th. There are many important elections on the primary ballot including federal, state, and local elections. Make sure to mail your ballot soon or drop it in one of the county operated ballot drop boxes. You can track you ballot to make sure it was received by the County Auditor’s Office at this link.  

I send out newsletters on a monthly basis to keep you informed about what I am working on and how I am representing the residents of North Snohomish County on the County Council. Please feel free to reach out to me at 425-512-4810 or Nate.Nehring@snoco.org.