During the recent Everett City Council meeting on February 26, 2024, concerns were raised regarding the city's insurance policies, particularly for the aging Everett High School and Pope John School. Council members expressed frustration over the administration's approach to handling emergency bills without allowing adequate time for review and due diligence.

One council member highlighted that Everett High School is insured for $50 million, a figure that exceeds its actual valuation. In contrast, Pope John School is insured for $10.5 million, which is below its valuation. This discrepancy raised questions about the rationale behind the high insurance costs, especially for a building that is reportedly in disrepair. The annual cost to maintain Everett High School is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $2 million, with an additional $337,000 required for its insurance.

Concerns were also voiced about the insurance policy for Pope John School, which appears to be outdated, using a valuation from 1936 and categorizing the building as a community center rather than a school. This has led to calls for the council to scrutinize these insurance bills more closely to potentially save taxpayer money.

The discussion underscored a broader desire for transparency and accountability in city financial matters. One council member suggested that the mayor should engage in question-and-answer sessions with residents to foster better communication and understanding of such issues.

As the council continues to address these financial concerns, residents are encouraged to stay informed and involved in discussions that directly impact their community's budget and resources.