County awards $50,000 REET for Frank Mason dock; council hears staff reports and library events

Snohomish County Councilmember Nate Nehring presented the City of Granite Falls with a $50,000 Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) award on Feb. 19 to support the Frank Mason dock project.

“Tonight we’re pleased to present $50,000 in REET funds for the Frank Mason dock project,” Nehring said as he presented the check to city officials. City leaders accepted the award at the meeting.

The meeting’s staff reports covered several operational topics. Deputy City Manager Jeff Balentine updated the council on passport services and thanked staff for their work; Public Works Director Charles White said crack‑sealing bids received the previous day were lower than expected and will be brought to the March 5 council meeting. White also reported the city issued temporary occupancy to the 76 gas station on Feb. 14.

Jannah Minnix, librarian for the Granite Falls Library (Sno‑Isle), reviewed upcoming library programs: an owl‑pellet dissection for grades 2–5 on March 8, a March 29 meet‑the‑robots/financial‑aid help session for ages 6 and up, a therapy‑dog reading program on the third Saturday monthly, a March 12 game night, and a July 12 all‑ages “Cryptids” event. The library also offers AARP tax help at select locations, Discover passes and extended computer hours.

During public comment, resident Scott Bower of 301 E. Galena St. thanked staff for a prior quick removal of graffiti from a control box but said the graffiti has reappeared and requested further attention. The minutes record Bower’s comment but do not show a formal referral or follow-up action noted in the meeting minutes.

Mayor Matthew Hartman also announced that the Empty Bowls event was rescheduled for March 15. The meeting adjourned after routine closing remarks.