City of Everett finance staff reviewed the five adopted budget priorities for 2025 with the Budget & Finance Committee on May 21, 2025, telling the committee that the "Safe community" priority accounts for about 59% of the city's general government budget.

Heidi Brelantes, finance director, described the five priorities as the values guiding the adopted budget and said departments may align to more than one priority. "The safety of our residents, workers, and visitors is fundamental," Brelantes said when introducing the Safe community priority. The presentation categorized core public-safety services — police, fire, emergency management — and related legal and community support services under that priority, and noted partnerships with Snohomish County, the South Correctional Entity and Snohomish County 911.

The presentation mapped the remainder of the general government budget as: Responsive and responsible government (19%), Housing, transportation and infrastructure (10%), Economic workforce and cultural vitality (9%), and Engaged and informed community (3%). Staff said Everett Transit operates on a separate, voter-approved sales tax and federal grants and is independent of the general government fund.

During council discussion, members asked whether staff could break the 59% Safe community allocation down by department (for example, policing vs. fire) and whether the budget book could include percentage displays in addition to dollar amounts. Staff replied the priorities table in the budget book lists departments with corresponding budget amounts and that the city can provide percentage breakdowns upon request.

Councilors also asked about a major behavioral-health grant. Staff said the SAMHSA award for the city's alternative response team is an earmark secured through Congress at the request of Senator Murray and that staff intend to request an extension from SAMHSA to allow multi-year spending of the funds. Staff noted earmarks are routed through Congress rather than the administration, and while extensions are considered possible, nothing is guaranteed.

No formal decisions were taken; staff solicited council feedback on the priority vision statements and will incorporate requested clarifications when posting presentation materials publicly.