Lake Stevens approves interlocal agreement to receive vessel-registration funds for marine program

Lake Stevens — The City Council voted to authorize the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement with Washington State Parks to receive vessel-registration funds for the city’s marine program.

Staff said the marine program is funded from two sources: vessel-registration fees routed through the county (VRF) and periodic state grant rounds. City staff told the council that some VRF dollars remain from prior years and that the city also has budget set aside for the program. Staff cautioned that if grant funding lapses, future eligibility for VRF distributions would be affected unless the city continues to meet reporting and program obligations.

Councilmembers asked whether patrol hours, boat-inspection targets and overtime depend on the state grant. Staff answered that much of the regular marine work is covered by existing school-resource-officer salaries in summer and that grants often cover overtime; losing a grant reduces reimbursement but does not immediately end patrol activity because of carryover funds and budgeted resources.

The motion — “I move to authorize the mayor to sign the interlocal agreement with the Washington State Parks for vessel registration funds” — was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The minutes record an affirmative voice vote; no roll-call tally of individual votes was provided in the transcript.

What happens next: Staff will finalize the interlocal agreement and proceed with the actions required by the VRF program reporting. Council discussion indicated staff will continue monitoring grant availability and report back if program funding or service levels require adjustment.