Council adopts technical-correction ordinance to reflect likely safe-streets levy increase

Bothell’s City Council on Nov. 18 adopted a technical correction ordinance that updates the 2026 property-tax levy language to include the likely passage of a safe streets and sidewalks levy lid lift, finance staff said.

Finance manager Miles Walker explained that the update adds the expected levy lid-lift at 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, which the staff estimated would raise about $10,000,000 if certified. Walker said the ordinance otherwise preserves the 1% rate increase included in the previously adopted levy ordinance and consolidates the related levies into a single document contingent on levy passage.

Council moved to adopt the technical correction ordinance and approved it by roll call (4–0). Staff noted the changes repeal and replace earlier ordinance language and include details on senior exemptions, and that the ordinance is contingent on election certification and final levy results.

Outcome: Technical correction ordinance levying King County and Snohomish County property taxes for 2026 — adopted 4–0; the inclusion of the safe-streets levy is contingent on final election certification.