Sedro‑Woolley narrowly votes 4‑3 to join North Star Collaborative after divided council debate

Sedro‑Woolley’s City Council approved a second‑reading interlocal agreement to join the North Star Collaborative — a countywide advisory group addressing homelessness and related services — after a 4‑3 vote that required the mayor’s deciding vote.

The ILA, which staff said contains no funding commitments and is framed as an advisory relationship among participating jurisdictions, drew sharp debate on whether the city should sign on. Councilmember Henderson urged postponement until a full council was present and criticized the Collaborative’s governance model, arguing it could exert influence over local zoning and funding decisions. "I fundamentally disagree with Cedrulli entering into the proposed Northstar interlocal agreement," Henderson said, citing concerns about accountability and nonprofit incentives.

Opponents, including Councilwoman Cassidy, also pointed to timing and process objections: Cassidy said a prior majority of council had opposed the proposal and objected to proceeding without a full council and with a member planning to resign following the meeting. Supporters, including Councilman Burns and other backers, said the ILA preserves local legislative authority while providing a seat at the table for regional grant coordination and joint problem‑solving.

After discussion, the roll call yielded a 3‑3 split; Mayor Johnson cast the deciding vote in favor, producing a 4‑3 final tally in favor of joining the advisory collaborative. Council recorded that no funds were committed by this ILA; staff will file the signed agreement and return with details on advisory participation and reporting.