As budget deliberations continue this morning, my priority remains sustaining core county services that deliver for our residents. A number of amendments have been brought forward during the County Council’s deliberation and public hearing process, and I need to see what the Council approves before making any decisions about next steps. However, I do believe additional, modest revenue is essential for the 2025-26 biennial budget to sustain the services our community rightfully expects.
My proposed budget does not add or remove programs. We are striving to hold steady in the coming biennium, despite a systemic budget shortfall as revenues fail to keep pace with rising costs. Snohomish County has a track record of making the most with limited resources, and I am mindful of the impact any increase in the county’s property tax levy could have on people.
What I’ve proposed in my budget would amount to less than one-half of one percent (<.05%) increase on a taxpayer’s total property tax bill. The 8 percent number that has been frequently quoted misrepresents the proposal. The increase that I have proposed only applies to a small portion of each property tax dollar – the approximately six cents of each dollar that funds county government. The other 94 cents go to the state, your schools, special districts like fire, libraries, sewer, and others. The exact breakdown varies based on other levies where you live, but they are all listed on your property tax bill. The other approximately 94 cents of your tax dollar are not impacted by the proposed county increase.
Our Finance department did the math to help us understand the potential impact to taxpayers in dollars: On an average-valued home in Snohomish County, the proposed increase would amount to $2 more per month or $24 more a year in property taxes in 2026 compared to 2024.
It is important for people with concerns about taxes to have their voices heard. And we do hear them. I believe that $24 more a year by 2026 is a reasonable amount to seek so we can avoid reducing government services, in particular in our law and justice agencies.
If a budget is passed that does not include additional revenue, we will face staff cuts in the near and long term. And with more than 75% of the proposed budget dedicated to public safety, those cuts will inevitably be felt in this vital area of county responsibility.
I stand by my proposed budget and by the hard-working employees of Snohomish County. A $2 per month increase in property taxes would preserve jobs and public services.
High winds last week tore through Snohomish County, toppling trees, blocking roads, destroying property, and knocking out power. The storms have been damaging and deadly, and I am deeply saddened by the loss of a woman in Lynnwood who was killed when a tree fell on her.
These weather events have impacts long after the gusts are over. I want to extend a personal thank you to the Snohomish County employees and our partners, particularly Snohomish County PUD, who have had a direct role in helping our community during and after the storm. PUD crews have worked tirelessly to restore power. County Public Works crews have rallied to clear roadways of downed trees and debris. The Conservation and Natural Resources team assessed and began addressing storm-related messes in our parks and public spaces. Our Emergency Management team gathered and shared information, coordinated with partners, and mapped the storm’s impacts throughout our community. And we are so fortunate in this county to have skilled first responders in law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services who have responded to our calls during the storms and in the aftermath.
With the potential for more storms ahead of us through the winter and into the spring, I urge everyone to be prepared. Please make sure you have your emergency kit ready, monitor the forecast, and check in with your friends, family, and neighbors.
Stay safe, and don’t forget to thank the many people who brave the storm to make our community a safer place.
Thank you to Washington State House of Representatives Local Government Committee Members Rep. Davina Duerr, Senator-Elect Keith Goehner, and Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen for spending Friday, November 15, in Snohomish County to visit local highlights and talk about key issues impacting local government.
Topics included strengthening our workforce, supporting local farmers, incentivizing projects that support underserved communities, working with special purpose districts, and preparing for wildfire risk. County leaders and staff, as well as guests from partner agencies and the community, joined them throughout the day.
We are grateful for the partnerships between Snohomish County and our Representatives, and we look forward to working together to support our community.
From left to right: Councilmember Dunn, Executive Somers, Rep. Jacobsen, Chair Duerr, and Sen-Elect Goehner
Snohomish County is among the top performers nationwide for advancing equity through its use of federal pandemic recovery funds, according to a recent independent report. The New School’s Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy found that we are a “high performer” among the largest city and county governments assessed for advancing equity in pandemic relief and recovery efforts nationally.
It was my top priority to ensure that our pandemic recovery efforts focus on equity. I am so proud to see our work recognized nationally. We are showing that engaging diverse perspectives and centering the needs of those most marginalized by the pandemic can make a real difference in our community.
The report assessed the 170 largest city and county governments in the United States and evaluated performance reports and spending data to measure equity performance across several areas, including overall equity focus, community engagement, and investment transparency and accountability. Snohomish County was identified as a top 20 jurisdiction among those assessed.
Snohomish County relies on community voices to inform our work, and multiple advisory boards currently are seeking members.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Public Right-of-Way Advisory Committee for Snohomish County Public Works provides feedback and recommendations to the county about ADA compliance in the public right-of-way. We’re seeking candidate letters of interest for four open positions on the committee by Dec. 11, 2024. Mobility is extremely important to safety and quality of life. Making sure all residents have the same pedestrian access is essential. More information: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/1901/Advisory-Committee
The Evergreen State Fair Advisory Board advises and aids in managing the largest publicly owned fair in the Pacific Northwest. The Board has three positions that are open for nominations and applications. The open positions are for Snohomish County Council District 2 (Everett/Mukilteo area), District 3 (Lynnwood/Edmonds area) and District 4 (Mill Creek/Mountlake Terrace/Bothell area). Board member advise the county on Fair priorities such as maintaining our agricultural roots, expanding youth programs, and providing entertainment. More information: https://www.evergreenfair.org/131/Fair-Advisory-Board
Forty-two Snohomish County Office of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers were honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for their advocacy work in 2023. They celebrated the award during a ceremony earlier this month. The national award honors volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation. The CASA volunteers are deserving recipients, and I thank them for their work.
The Office of the Court Appointed Special Advocate is a volunteer-powered agency that relies on the generosity of individuals to provide best-interest advocacy for children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect as they move through the court system. These advocates follow the guiding principles of family preservation, restoration, and the understanding that each person’s family is as unique as their cultural values, history, and traditions.
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