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Proposal to make Everett council positions full‑time fails after members cite representation and cost concerns
Summary
The committee considered making council positions full‑time, reviewed comparable city compensation, and rejected the proposal amid concerns that full‑time status could reduce neighborhood representation and be cost‑inefficient.
The charter review committee discussed a proposal to make Everett city council positions full‑time and rejected it on April 9 after members questioned the policy’s effects on representation and budget priorities.
Staff provided a cost and comparables memo showing examples from other Washington cities and an estimate of added staffing costs if council positions became full‑time. Supporters said full‑time positions might improve responsiveness; opponents warned that requiring full‑time service could deter candidates who cannot leave private employment and that funds might be better directed to neighborhood staffing to increase representation.
Committee members also noted the uncertain definition of “full‑time” for elected officials and potential consequences for incumbents and neighborhood diversity. A motion to propose the change was moved and seconded but failed on the final vote.
The committee chair said staff will incorporate the discussion into the draft report and noted the committee has options to revisit the item in later drafts.
