Bothell staff propose 9‑year renewal of Safe Streets & Sidewalks levy at 50¢ per $1,000; council signals support to place measure on November ballot

City staff presented a study session May 20 asking the council whether to place a nine‑year Safe Streets & Sidewalks levy renewal on the November ballot at the current rate of 50¢ per $1,000 of assessed value.

Finance Director Quan Wong summarized the financial case and described the levy’s results to date, saying the nine‑year renewal at the existing rate would produce approximately $10,300,000 annually and about $93,000,000 over the nine‑year term. “We are proposing to renew it at the original 50¢ per 1,000 assessed value,” Wong said.

Wong and Public Works Director Erin Lenhart outlined how the expiring levy funds have been used for pavement preservation, sidewalk repairs (including nearly 2.84 miles of sidewalk on school walk routes), patching/operations improvements and projects that help the city compete for state and federal grants. Wong said the city typically leveraged levy dollars to secure additional grants and that, historically, every levy dollar had helped bring roughly an additional $1.50 in state and federal grant funding.

Staff proposed a distribution for the renewal: 38 percent for existing maintenance/operations, 19 percent for pavement preservation, 17 percent for safe walking and biking routes (and preparation to compete for grants to construct them), and 26 percent to a flexible pool for future transportation projects the council prioritizes. Staff noted this mix preserves the current level of service while maintaining a local funding source to match grants and pursue larger multimodal projects such as the Bothell Way multimodal improvements.

Wong presented an example homeowner impact: a $1,000,000 assessed property would see about $41.03 per month (approximately $500 a year) at the levy rate quoted in the presentation. The finance director also detailed a schedule of next steps if council wants to proceed: present required ordinances in June and July, file for the November ballot (deadline Aug. 5), and appoint pro/con committees to prepare voter pamphlet statements. Staff noted that once the measure is filed the city is limited in active campaigning by staff and emphasized council and community outreach roles.

Councilmembers spoke in favor during the study session and repeatedly described the levy outcomes as well spent. Several members asked questions about which projects levy funds could support and about coordination with other funding sources. Council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting but directed staff to return with required legislation in June and July to place the renewal on the November ballot.

No formal ballot language was adopted at the meeting; staff will return with legislative items that, if adopted, will allow the city to file the measure by the August 5 deadline.