Council approves revenue-sharing with Everett and advisory-board appointments; defers IBM ERP contract vote

Snohomish County Council approved multiple routine and intergovernmental items during its March 2026 legislative session and postponed action on a major ERP contract to allow additional review.

The consent agenda was approved unanimously (5–0) without discussion. The council then approved administrative matters (motion 26-144) by a 5–0 vote.

Nicole Gourley, council staff, presented motion 26-119, a recurring agreement under which the county provides the City of Everett with its equitable share of vessel-registration funds (40%), as required by RCW 88.02 and WAC 352-65. Gourley said the agreement term would run from 03/01/2026 through 02/28/2030. The motion passed 5–0.

Items B through E (motions 26-120, 26-121, 26-122 and 26-136) were approvals of four appointments: three to the Evergreen State Fair advisory board and one to the North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization advisory board. Staff summarized the appointees’ positions and terms in the staff report provided to council; the council approved the appointments 5–0.

Debbie Mock, council staff, presented a staff report on motion 26-145, an agreement for professional services with IBM Corporation to implement the Oracle Fusion ERP platform. Mock said the county had acquired Oracle Fusion licensing in 2025 and completed contract negotiations; scope includes implementation, configuration, data migration, testing, training and optional services. She reported the agreement term would be five years and the not-to-exceed cost was $15,066,002.52 plus applicable sales tax. The proposed motion also would authorize the county executive to execute amendments and change orders up to an aggregate 20% increase.

Several council members expressed concern that the contract packet (approximately 200 pages, as referenced during the meeting) had not been available to reviewers long enough for thorough review. Council member (motion maker, voice S3) moved to continue motion 26-145 to the administrative matters meeting on March 31 at 9:00 a.m.; the motion was seconded and passed 5–0. Vigo Ford (S11), appearing remotely on behalf of department staff, said staff preferred to move quickly to start project kickoff in April but respected the council’s request for more time.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The IBM/Oracle Fusion ERP contract (motion 26-145) was continued to March 31 at 9:00 a.m. for further review; other approved items are effective per their terms unless other administrative steps are required.