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Everett budget meeting: three quick takeaways — new finance director, small revenue variance, fund-balance debate
Summary
At the July 15 committee hearing, new finance director Chris Godwin summarized 2025 performance, noting revenues roughly met forecasts; council debated using excess fund balance for the coming budget and asked staff to explore permitting investments.
Chris Godwin, Everett finance director, presented 2025 results and the 2027 budget calendar. "In 2025, our revenue forecast was a 169,600,000, and that was measured against the performance of a 170,000,000," Godwin said.
Councilman Wright urged using excess fund balance to avoid cuts: "I would support using our fund balance to meet our budget gap for the year, instead of making cuts." Godwin noted the city’s reserve target of $33.8 million is intended to protect cash flow.
Councilors asked staff for follow-up on deferred-maintenance funding targets, CIP drawdown plans and the practicality of grant-funded AI tools to speed permitting intake. The next related hearing is expected Sept. 16, 2026.
