Bothell City Council met Nov. 10, 2026 to hold two public hearings (EMS levy and the 2027-28 biennial budget), receive updates from the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County, approve a package of budget-related ordinances and procurement policy changes, and authorize a staff letter supporting restoration of Metro Route 372.

Discussion Points

•Budget totals and CFP funding composition were outlined.
•Council agreed to finalize the budget next week.
•Council debated whether to raise council-level contract approval threshold and asked staff for a comparative analysis.
•Council discussed thresholds for later procurement policy item.
•District background and proposed rate change presented.
•EASC announced Build in Bothell event to address permitting barriers.
•EASC described FY26 financial stewardship and program numbers.
•EASC highlighted two local projects (Portal Space Systems, IonQ) and federal Opportunity Zone approvals.
•Longstanding ADA access and sidewalk issues on West Riverside Drive raised.
•No public comment during hearing.
•Preliminary voting showed >80% support for Proposition 1 in Bothell and neighboring districts.
•Rationale: thresholds set in 2006 need inflation adjustments and alignment with federal direct buy levels.
•Resident requested emergency allocation, engineering review, a code variance for trees, and a construction timeline within the month.
•Staff will create and use a transition team to manage operational, personnel and financial issues.

Decisions

•Multiple ordinances adopted (property tax, sales taxes, utility rate increases).
•Ordinance adopted 6-0.
•Procurement policy amendments adopted 6-0.

Directions

•Adopted ordinance to be implemented for 2027 levy collection.
•EASC to continue coordination with city staff and to incorporate Bothell priorities into its 2027 plan.
•Staff to log follow-up items and review submitted photos; council did not act on the request during the meeting.
•Staff to prepare analysis on council-level approval thresholds for a future meeting; implement adopted threshold changes.
•Staff to prepare interlocal agreement, board appointment recommendations and lease drafts for council consideration in January.
•Staff to publish ordinance language and notices and return for final budget adoption next meeting.

Nov

Snohomish County Administrative Session 2026-11-10

Snohomish County Council held an administrative session Nov. 10, 2026, with public comment from a local small-business owner about a Clearview zoning outcome, approval of a janitorial services contract amendment, scheduling of a public hearing on updated critical-area regulations to meet a Growth Management Act remand, and passage of administrative motions before recessing for budget deliberations.

Discussion Points

•Accepted ILA; governance structure and representation work to follow.
•Council set the public hearing date to allow public comment before any final code adoption.
•Facilities staff explained prior service history and scope of added services.
•Gann argued the Clearview decision undermined procedural transparency and fiscal responsibility and announced a PAC to mobilize businesses.
•Motion 26-460 brought forward because GLS was canceled; no substantive debate recorded.
•Presenter described additional services and updated contract totals.
•Staff explained the Growth Management Hearings Board remand and compliance deadline.

Decisions

•Amendment approved 5–0
•Motion 26-460 approved 5–0
•Set hearing for Dec. 2, 2026

Directions

•Work on governance structure and representation assignments.

Nov

Video

Snohomish County Council convened an administrative session on Nov. 10, 2026. The meeting included a public comment from a small-business owner announcing a new PAC, approval of a janitorial services contract amendment, scheduling of a public hearing on updated critical-area regulations, and passage of general administrative items before recessing for budget deliberations.

Discussion Points

•Announcement of new small-business PAC: Snowco Business Voice
•Approved administrative matters were procedural.
•Chair Dunn reported acceptance of an interlocal agreement to merge Community Transit and Everett Transit.
•Council voted to set hearing date and time for public input and consideration.
•Facility staff clarified that the amendment adds cleaning services for newly occupied county space and increases jail service days to seven per week.
•Financial terms: amendment amount read into record and new NTE total provided.
•Motion introduced and moved due to GLS cancellation.
•Next steps: governance structure and representation for cities and county.
•Public comment alleging unfair land-use process in Clearview and competitor influence
•Staff explained ordinance responds to Growth Management Hearings Board remand and compliance date (Dec. 17, 2026).

Decisions

•Approval of Amendment 1 (Motion 26-457) passed 5–0
•Motion 26-460 approved 5–0.
•Set public hearing for Ordinance 26-076 on Dec. 2, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

Directions

•Facilities to adjust service schedules per amendment
•Staff to prepare hearing materials and notice.
•Staff to work on governance and representation details.

Nov

Bothell Planning Commission Meeting - November 4, 2026

Bothell Planning Commission held study sessions on the Housing Action Plan, landmark preservation code updates, and 2026 city-initiated comprehensive plan amendments (including a downtown subarea update); the commission approved draft findings on the Housing Action Plan and the comp-plan amendments to forward to City Council.

Discussion Points

•Additions to comp plan references (climate action plan, urban forest, housing action plan), corrections to activity center map, consolidation of downtown land-use designations.
•Modernize Title 22 to clarify procedures, definitions and review steps; relocate board governance to Title II; remove references to historic districts.
•Staff flagged the TOD bill (1491) and 2.5 FAR requirement; recommended addressing code changes next year.
•Staff summarized HAP goals and changes requested by City Council, including a revision to inclusionary zoning language.
•State law limits predesignation restrictions; staff advised removing code provisions that could improperly restrict privately owned properties not formally designated.

Decisions

•Draft findings and recommendations approved to forward to council.
•Draft findings, conclusions and recommendation approved to forward to Council.
•No formal action taken; commission provided feedback.

Directions

•Staff to meet with City Council on Dec. 1; incorporate feedback and return to Planning Commission with a public hearing and findings; return to Landmark Preservation Board on Jan. 13 for its recommendation.
•Transmit findings to City Council; begin downtown code update next year to address implementation and TOD requirements.
•Transmit the commission's recommended findings, conclusions and recommendation to City Council.

Nov

Snohomish County General Legislative Session 2026-11-04

Snohomish County Council held its Nov. 4, 2026 legislative session in the Jackson Boardroom and remotely. The council heard a public comment urging reconsideration of a 10,000-foot cannabis-store spacing rule, approved a series of resolutions and motions (including veterans recognition, interagency agreements, school-spending amendments, grant awards, and restoration partnerships), and discussed council budget amendments and REIT project funding.

Discussion Points

•Agreement to return REIT per-district funding at $140,000 per year to consensus.
•Analyst overview of consensus amendment process and proposals 1–10.
•Announcement of Snohomish County Small Business Coalition to organize affected businesses.
•Claim that county changed cannabis spacing from 2,500 to 10,000 feet, disadvantaging new business owners.
•Council approved the block of motions with no discussion.
•Councilmembers thanked Preston and recognized event judges and volunteers.
•Motion was previously reviewed by Committee of the Whole and was moved and approved without further discussion.
•No public comment on the resolution.
•Preston described scholarship criteria and nonprofit status (501(c)(3)), noted funds cover 100% if students meet criteria.
•Proposal 9 (urban tree canopy) would use $153,305 from Fund 309 (biennium) and be treated as standalone for more review.
•Removal of several items from consensus, including legal advisory FTE eliminations and civil protection-order funding source disagreements.
•Request that council sponsor and place a fix on a public agenda.
•Staff clarified the scope excludes harm-reduction activities (e.g., needle exchange).
•Staff described eligible uses (FTEs, contracts, supplies) and the one-year term.
•Staff explained contract number K-9556 and the $20 hard-tab fee collection through Feb. 25, 2031.
•Staff reported WDFW received a $9 million Army Corps grant and explained the PPA defines roles among partners.
•Staff stated the county has no financial obligation as a signatory non-federal sponsor; council approved the motion 5–0.
•Staff summarized the amendments and provided totals and projections.
•Vice Chair Lowe expressed personal gratitude to veterans and referenced county veteran hiring.

Decisions

•Motion 26-420 approved 5–0
•Motion 26-430 approved 5–0
•Motion 26-440 approved 5–0
•Motions 26-423 through 26-435 approved 5–0
•REIT funding set at $140,000 per district per year
•Resolution 26-052 approved 5–0
•Resolution 26-054 approved 5–0
•Several budget items removed from consensus for standalone consideration

Nov

Video

Snohomish County Council held an administrative session on Nov. 3, 2026, adopting two ceremonial resolutions (Native American Heritage Month and Transgender Day of Remembrance), heard public comment on a 2023 zoning/code change affecting cannabis store spacing, scheduled committee assignments and an upcoming interlocal vote with Everett Transit, and then adjourned.

Discussion Points

•Council member introduced the resolution as continuation of county tradition.
•County staff representatives described the observance's purpose and local resonance.
•Gann alleged a 2023 change increased cannabis‑store spacing from 2,500 to 10,000 feet and that affected competition, jobs and tax revenue.
•Several agenda items reassigned to committee of the whole and GLS for Nov. 4; one item set for Nov. 25 and one for a future public hearing.

Decisions

•Items moved as announced if no objection.
•Resolution 26-051 approved 5–0.
•Resolution 26‑053 approved 3–2.

Oct

Snohomish County General Legislative Session 2026-10-28

Snohomish County Council held its Oct. 28, 2026 general legislative session: public comment included land-use and homelessness concerns; the council unanimously passed a resolution supporting jail voting access, approved several contracts and grants, and set a public hearing on a proposed temporary county hiring freeze amid an extended budget amendment discussion.

Discussion Points

•Advocates described civic engagement benefits for justice-impacted people.
•Consensus amendment rules: any objection removes an item from consensus and makes it standalone.
•Cooperative purchasing agreement legal parameters.
•Estimated savings ranged from $1.86M to $7M depending on vacancy behavior.
•Funding: Move Ahead Washington cited for I‑5 project.
•Grant amounts and terms (EMS grant $5,000; healthy community specialist partial funding).
•Nature of ECAP process and timeline for urgent hires.
•Peterson read statement highlighting near-80% participation in jail voting.
•Project scope: east–west connection, transit/HOV, future light-rail access.
•Proposal specifics: fund shifts, FTE changes, program restorations and offsets.

Decisions

•Approve both contract supplements (5–0).
•Approve motions 26-404, 26-422 and 26-418 (5–0).
•Approve Resolution 26-039 (5–0).
•Schedule hearing (passed 3–2).
•Several substantive proposals removed from consensus and set as standalones; some friendly technical corrections retained.

Directions

•Analysts to prepare standalone language and follow-up answers; council to reconvene for GLS Nov. 4 and public hearing Nov.10.
•Continue coordination among auditor, sheriff, elections and community partners.
•Implement grants and coordinate with partners.
•Proceed with design and permitting; staff available for questions.
•Set public hearing Nov. 10 to consider ordinance alongside budget items.

Oct

Snohomish County Public Hearings 2026-10-28

Snohomish County Council held public hearings Oct. 28, 2026, on proposed changes to county cannabis retail rules (ordinance 26-063) and on an open-space tax reclassification (motion 26-408). The council passed ordinance 26-063 as amended, declined to advance a citizen docket item (motion 26-155), and approved the open-space application for 16.1 acres.

Discussion Points

•Council members debated fairness to businesses and whether to change rules after an operator pursued a noncompliant location.
•No public testimony was received on this item.
•Public commenters (primarily Clearview residents) urged retaining a 10,000-foot buffer to protect the LAMIRD.
•Residents highlighted Clearview's LAMIRD designation and urged preserving a 10,000-foot buffer.
•Some members argued against using staff resources to process an item that duplicates current council decisions.
•Speakers recounted past clustering and safety concerns near schools and intersections.
•Staff and assessor provided new information that changed acreage eligibility from 10 to 16.1 acres.
•Staff explained legal duty to set final docket; council considered staff time and recent ordinance action.
•Staff recommended updating terminology and proposed modified separation distances based on peer analysis and SEPA review.

Decisions

•Approved substitute motion 26-408 5–0.
•Motion 26-155 amended to 'do not process' and approved 5–0.
•Passed Amendment Sheet 2 (terminology) and approved ordinance 26-063 as amended in roll-call vote.

Directions

•Assessor and PDS to process reclassification paperwork.
•Clerk to update docket status and notify applicants.
•Staff to continue analysis and provide follow-up on clustering and impacts; council signaled future review likely.

Oct

Video

Snohomish County Council held public hearings Oct. 28, 2026, chiefly on an ordinance to revise county code for state-licensed cannabis retail facilities (Ordinance 26-063) and a citizen-initiated docket item; the council adopted the ordinance as amended, declined to advance the docket item, and approved an open-space tax classification for a 16.1-acre parcel.

Discussion Points

•No public testimony was offered on this item at the continued hearing.
•Opponents emphasized Clearview's LAMIRD/CRC designation and asked council to preserve 10,000-foot buffer to protect rural character.
•PDS staff explained statutory requirement to set final docket; council members raised fairness issues and staff time concerns.
•Residents argued the CRC/LAMIRD designation requires protection and that prior council votes supported the 10,000-foot buffer.
•Staff presented rationale for replacing 'marijuana' with 'cannabis' and for changing separation distances; spatial analysis shows 28 retailers on record with a cap of 32.
•Staff presented reconciliation between PDS and assessor findings to allow full acreage into program.
•Supporters argued that a countywide 2,500-foot standard would create equitable opportunity and bring jobs/tax revenue.
•Supporters cited economic benefits, fairness, and argued 10,000 feet is unusually large and inconsistently applied.
•They requested additional local outreach and a pause for further review.

Decisions

•Motion to not process passed 5–0; docket item removed.
•Passed Ordinance 26-063 as amended (final roll-call affirmative).
•Substitute motion 26-408 passed 5–0 to include the full 16.1 acres.

Directions

•Assessor to implement the classification per county procedures.
•If ordinance amended, county staff to align code references in Title 30 and cross-references.
•Planning to provide implementation details and effective dates to clerk.

Oct

Snohomish County Administrative Session 2026-10-27

Snohomish County Council held an administrative session that included public comment urging action on a proposed change to cannabis retail separation rules, committee and clerk reports, a brief executive session on labor negotiations, and a 4-0 vote directing the chief of staff to sign a conflict-waiver for an outside law firm.

Discussion Points

•Chief of staff announced the executive session purpose (labor negotiations) and length estimate.
•Chief of staff presented a prosecuting attorneys request for authorization to sign a conflict waiver for outside counsel.
•Clerk assigned items A\u0011E to committees and set public hearing dates.
•Gann said the countys proposal would reduce the cannabis retail separation in Clearview from 10,000 feet to 2,500 feet and urged the council to move the hearing forward.

Decisions

•Waiver authorization approved 4-0.

Directions

•Chief of staff authorized to sign the waiver.

Oct

Video

Snohomish County Council held an administrative session on Oct. 27, 2026, including public comment on a proposed change to cannabis retail separation rules, procedural items and committee updates, an executive session on labor negotiations, and a council vote authorizing a conflict-waiver signature for outside counsel.

Discussion Points

•Chair announced a public hearing on Everett Transit consolidation scheduled for Thursday.
•Chair reported Clean Air Agency rule changes aligning with state law around NOC exemptions.
•Chief of staff requested authorization to sign a conflict waiver for Hillis, Clark, Martin, and Peterson.
•Council announced an executive session for labor negotiations under RCW 42.30.140(4)(b).
•Gan reported economic projections for his store: ~600 customers/day, ~25+ jobs, and an estimated $200,000/month in state taxes.
•Motion was made and seconded to direct chief of staff to sign the waiver; a voice vote passed the motion 4-0.
•No public votes or substantive details from the executive session were recorded on the public transcript.
•Patrick Gan said the county proposal would reduce retail separation in Clearview from 10,000 feet to 2,500 feet and urged the council to act.

Decisions

•Authorize signing of the concurrent conflict waiver (passed 4-0).

Directions

•Chief of staff authorized to sign the waiver.

Oct

Bothell Planning Commission Meeting - October 21, 2026

The Bothell Planning Commission held a hybrid meeting and public hearing on Oct. 21, 2026 to review city-initiated 2026 comprehensive plan amendments, including a major update to the downtown subarea plan; staff presented proposals and commissioners offered feedback (no public commenters spoke).

Discussion Points

•Align housing element text with the housing action plan.
•Approval of minutes was routine; staff will return with final drafts.
•Clarify affordable‑housing standard to 80% AMI and emphasize long‑term preservation.
•Commissioners were invited to suggest edits to draft findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
•Importance of preserving park‑and‑ride capacity to enable transit access for residents outside downtown walk-sheds.
•Recology's contract noted for inclusion in utilities element.
•Staff described amendment types and proposed changes across multiple comp plan elements.
•Staff framed as factual update, not a contract approval.
•Whether BRT routing/specifications justify reducing parking capacity.

Decisions

•Oct. 7 minutes approved

Directions

•Commissioners to flag edits to draft findings for Nov. 4 recommendation.
•Commissioners to review and propose edits before Nov. 4.
•Finalize draft findings for Nov. 4 and forward to council for Nov. 17 hearing.
•Staff to brief City Council in a study session and present to council Nov. 17.
•Staff to return Nov. 4 with final draft findings and recommendation for Planning Commission.
•Utilities element to be updated in the Nov. 4 packet.

Oct

Snohomish County General Legislative Session 2026-10-21

Snohomish County Council convened Oct. 21, 2026, in the Jackson Boardroom (and remotely) to hear two public commenters, adopt a joint resolution honoring Elaine Summers and name a viewpoint in her honor, approve several county contracts and amendments, set a public hearing on park rangers code changes to align with state law, and receive a detailed revenue forecast for the 2027–2028 biennium.

Discussion Points

•Amendment extends contract and adds funding to maintain two full-time peer navigators serving substance-use-affected populations.
•Discovery of contaminated soils in August prompted change order for disposal costs.
•Forecast projects ~19.5% increase in general fund revenues (~$126.7M) for 2027–2028.
•Multiple council members expressed sympathy and appreciation for Elaine Summers' career contributions.
•Property tax increase ~ $24M due to 1% statutory increase and use of banked capacity; sales tax forecasted to grow 4.0% (2027) and 4.5% (2028).
•SB 5974 changed statewide requirements governing special commissions and supervision; county code needs alignment.
•Staff said most costs expected to be reimbursed by an AIP grant.
•Vendor selection via RFP and cost cap communicated by staff.

Decisions

•Adopted Joint Resolution 26-050; approved Motion 26-421 to name viewpoint
•Approved Amendment No. 4 to Ideal Option PLLC contract
•Approved Change Order 2 to KLB Construction contract (PW-240361SB)
•Approved SaaS agreement with Concourse Tech
•Hearing date set

Directions

•Forecasting work group to meet again after the election to review an additional month's sales-tax receipts and adjust forecasts as needed.
•Set Dec. 9, 2026 public hearing at 10:30 a.m.
•Staff to manage change order documentation and pursue grant reimbursement.

Oct

Video

Snohomish County Council held its regular legislative session on Oct. 21, 2026. The council heard two public commenters about permitting and code references, approved a joint resolution honoring Elaine Summers and a companion naming motion, and voted unanimously on several contract and budget-related motions; staff presented the 2027–2028 general fund revenue forecast.

Discussion Points

•Amendment extends contract and adds $207,497 for two full-time peer navigator positions serving individuals who use substances.
•Contaminated soils found at project site; handling and disposal costs added.
•Forecasting team will meet again to revise estimates prior to budget adoption.
•Forecast projects ~19.5% revenue increase (approx. $126.7M) over prior biennium.
•Hearing date set for 12/09/2026.
•Property tax up ~$24M; IPD for 2026 is 3.876; bank capacity 3.167; sales-tax growth assumptions: 4% (2027) and 4.5% (2028).
•SB 5974 requires commissioned individuals be supervised by issuing agency; county ordinance would remove a requirement that park rangers be specially commissioned.
•Staff and exec-office representatives praised Elaine Summers’ environmental career and community work.
•Staff described populations served: incarcerated, homeless, or recently overdosed individuals.
•Staff expects AIP grant to reimburse 95% of added costs.
•Vendor selected through RFP; agreement covers implementation and ongoing subscription costs.

Decisions

•Agreement approved; not-to-exceed cost stated.
•Amendment approved 5–0.
•Change order 2 approved; new total $8,097,549.51.
•Joint resolution 26-050 approved; motion 26-421 to name viewpoint approved.
•Public hearing scheduled.

Directions

•Staff to reconvene forecasting work group and return with updated figures.

Oct

Bothell City Council Meeting - October 20, 2026

Bothell City Council met Oct. 20, 2026 for regular business: recognitions, public comment (ADA crosswalk request, community Diwali invite), a UW Bothell campus update, a study session on the city's 2027-28 legislative agenda, two public hearings on the biennial budget and EMS levy, adoption of bike-parking code updates, and a housing action plan study session with debate over inclusionary zoning.

Discussion Points

•Campus and city will continue collaboration on events, sustainability and planning.
•Campus seeks state funding to replace Husky Hall with a multidisciplinary facility for workforce training and classrooms.
•Council expressed appreciation for staff responsiveness and moved the ordinance to adoption.
•Council raised objections to citywide inclusionary zoning and favored further study and incentive-based approaches.
•Council suggested adding incentives for cities adopting housing early, traffic-camera revenue-sharing and NPRSA funding statements.
•Enrollment reached an all-time high (~6,400) and residential village occupancy is ~75% of 1,000 capacity.
•Housing Action Plan final draft presents six goals and an implementation/monitoring framework.
•Optional sales taxes and utility-rate increases included; capital plan relies on grant funding (~39%).
•Proposed two-year budget $469 million; general fund $181 million.
•Public hearing held with no speakers; next hearings in November ahead of adoption.
•Ram invited residents to a free Diwali celebration Oct. 25 at North Creek High School Commons.
•Schubert requested an ADA-compliant crosswalk with lighting, signal timing and markings near 102nd Ave NE and West Riverside Drive to support over 200 senior residents' access to ballot services.
•Staff presented the planning commission\u0019s recommended edits and summarized council feedback incorporated into code.
•Staff proposed four top priorities for state advocacy: Shelton View Forest preservation, Bothell Way funding, progressive tax reform, and housing tools/funding.
•Staff reported recent permitting/production metrics (420+ permits, ~320 units completed; ~2,200 in permitting).
•Staff will redraft annexation language to note financial incentives as a condition to preserve annexation feasibility.

Decisions

•Council asked staff to revisit inclusionary zoning policy language and offsets; no immediate action adopted on the plan at this meeting.
•Ordinance adopted 6–0 (one excused).

Directions

•Community Development to publish codified changes and update application guidance.
•Staff to incorporate council feedback into next draft of legislative agenda and policy manual.
•Staff to record written materials/photos and follow up with engineering/transportation staff regarding the crosswalk feasibility and next steps.
•Staff to remove or defer the citywide inclusionary zoning language from the plan (per council consensus) and schedule a dedicated study session on inclusionary/incentive tools in 2027.

Oct

Snohomish County Administrative Session 2026-10-20

Administrative session of the Snohomish County Council on Oct. 20, 2026, included public comment on solid-waste hauling rates, staff requests to authorize outside legal representation and conflict waivers, scheduling of committee assignments and budget amendment deadlines, notice of executive sessions for pending litigation, and approval of two settlement agreements related to Robinette Investment Company.

Discussion Points

•Bazzizo disclosed two conflict-waiver requests from Hillis, Clark, Martin, and Peterson, LLC and requested authority to engage the firm for bond-audit representation.
•Chair assigned items A–D to Committee of the Whole to move to Nov. 4 for setting public hearings; item E to Nov. 21; items F–H to Oct. 28.
•Council entered executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) for pending litigation with anticipated action to follow.
•Motion authorizes legal representation for an IRS examination and delegates execution authority.
•Resident stated current rate is $160/ton and claimed G-certified companies receive $149/ton and asked council to equalize rates.

Decisions

•Motion passed 5–0 to authorize signing waivers and engagement.
•Motion passed on oral vote, 5–0.
•Two settlement agreements were approved by oral vote 5–0.

Directions

•Authorize chief of staff to sign conflict waivers and authorize finance director and executive to engage the firm for audit representation as necessary.
•Authorize county executive to execute settlement documents in consultation with prosecuting attorney.
•Council members to coordinate amendments with their analysts; standalone amendments targeted for preliminary deadline Nov. 2.

Oct

Snohomish County Public Hearings 2026-10-20

Snohomish County Council held a public hearing on the executive's proposed 2027-28 biennial budget on Oct. 20, 2026, reviewing levy proposals, a $3.37 billion recommended budget, staffing reductions and a six-year capital program, and taking public testimony on conservation, tree canopy and school impact fees.

Discussion Points

•11 layoff notices issued; departments sought alternative positions to reduce layoffs.
•79 vacant positions removed and nine positions unfunded to achieve savings; estimated 32.5 FTE vacancy savings.
•Alex Van Dwine outlined Lakewood School District growth and the role of impact fees in funding new facilities.
•Estimated levy minimums: $6M (mental health/DD) and $2.7M (veterans) for 2027.
•Executive recommends separating mental-health/DD and veterans levies from the general levy to free ~$8.7M in general fund capacity.
•HB 2442 allows counties to choose nesting treatment for certain levies; separation keeps levy amounts intact while increasing general fund capacity.
•John Martin criticized a 2022 joint resolution on an Everett stadium and asked for rescinding of youth-activity funding.
•Kristen Kelly urged full funding for urban tree canopy implementation and supported a modest conservation-district increase.
•Presentation described revenue pressures, personnel cost increases, and near-term structural deficit to address.
•Susan Brown asked for increased Snohomish Conservation District funding and described on-site assistance benefits.
•Whether deeper programmatic cuts should be taken now versus further vacancy and short-term reductions.
•Why the budget presentation shows a 20% liquidity line and whether it is required or a policy choice.

Decisions

•No adoption vote taken; testimony left open and council recessed until 6 p.m. hearing.
•No change to assumptions at this hearing; further analysis requested.
•No formal adoption at this hearing; council will consider during budget-review process.
•No immediate funding decisions made; public comment recorded and preserved for council consideration.
•No personnel decisions finalized at hearing; changes are part of recommended budget subject to council adoption.

Directions

•Council accepted presentation, asked questions and left testimony open for evening hearing.
•Council left testimony open for additional input and will consider these requests during budget deliberations.
•Staff to provide additional detail on departmental impacts and mitigation strategies during budget deliberations.
•Staff to provide backup on liquidity calculation and historical basis; council asked for that analysis.
•Staff to provide clarifying materials during adoption hearings and show property-tax presentation lines.

Oct

Snohomish County Public Hearings 2026-10-20

Snohomish County Council held a public hearing on Oct. 20, 2026 on the executive's proposed 2027–2028 biennial budget, hearing a staff presentation, public testimony from labor and building-industry representatives, and continuing the hearing to Nov. 10 for further deliberation.

Discussion Points

•Council adopted motion by unanimous voice vote
•Description of the decision to either keep levies nested or unnest them under new state law
•Estimated levy amounts for 2027: veterans $2.7M; mental-health/dev-disability $6.0M; 2026 comparisons provided
•Funding for some projects depends on grants or enterprise revenues (solid waste)
•List of CIP items and associated ordinances/motions
•List of ordinances and motions included in the submittal (levies, CIP, grant work plans)
•Master Builders representative supported a mix of revenue and cuts and recommended longer-term planning
•Motion to continue the hearing to Nov. 10 was offered and seconded
•Nine positions recommended unfunded; vacancy savings of ~32.5 FTEs included in budget
•Presentation of executive recommended 2027–2028 biennial budget totaling $3.37 billion
•Pro forma shows structural deficit emerging in 2025; staff attribute drivers to salaries, benefits and state/federal funding uncertainty
•Two departments (PDS and Health) issued layoff notices
•Union speaker emphasized 170 solid-waste employees and workforce impacts

Decisions

•Hearing continued to Nov. 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Directions

•Departments must return to council to request funding to refill positions
•Departments must return to council to request funding to refill positions left unfunded

Oct

Video

Snohomish County Council held a public hearing on the executive'recommended 2027'28 biennial budget, including proposed levy changes that would unnest the mental health/developmental disabilities and veterans levies and shift roughly $8.7 million out of general fund capacity. Public commenters urged attention to solid-waste workforce and fiscal impacts. The council continued the hearing to Nov. 10.

Discussion Points

•Executive recommended unnesting two levies (Developmental Disabilities & Mental Health; Veterans Assistance) to preserve $8.7M in general fund capacity
•Executive recommends $3.37B biennial budget with 13 ordinances and 16 motions
•Mandated costs (indigent defense, jail medical costs) and loss of some public-health funding were flagged as drivers
•Motion to continue the hearing was made and seconded with no discussion
•Public commenters urged council to consider workforce impacts and fiscal trade-offs
•Speakers emphasized that community engagement and committee work informed the budget
•Staff noted structural deficit beginning in 2025 driven by salaries/benefits and lower grant revenue
•Vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously

Decisions

•Hearing continued to 2026-11-10 at 10:30 a.m.

Directions

•Public testimony remains open and the hearing reconvenes on 2026-11-10

Oct

Video

Snohomish County Council held a public hearing on Oct. 20, 2026, on the executive'recommended 2027'028 biennial budget, including proposed levy ordinances, capital improvement program items and public testimony on conservation, trees and school impact fees.

Discussion Points

•11 layoff notices issued in some departments; expectation actual layoffs may be fewer.
•79 vacant positions removed; 32.5 FTE vacancy savings included.
•Alex Van Duine (Lakewood School District) asked the county to support capital impact fees to fund school construction.
•Citizen asserted that a 2022 joint resolution to explore a stadium was a mistake and urged the legislature to rescind youth-activity funding used for professional stadiums.
•Council questioned liquidity methodology (14% historical reserve vs. 20% liquidity line) and bond rating relevance.
•Estimated levy amounts presented: mental health/DD $6,000,000; veterans assistance $2,700,000 for 2027.
•Executive recommended 2027\u0002028 budget totals $3.37 billion and includes 13 ordinances and 16 motions.
•Kristen Kelly (Futurewise) urged full funding for urban tree canopy implementation and code changes to protect trees.
•No votes or formal actions taken during the morning hearing; testimony left open.
•Presentation emphasizes personnel cost growth, reduced grant revenues and projected out-year impacts from state tax changes.
•Separation of mental health/DD and veterans levies from general levy would preserve $8.7 million in general fund capacity.
•Staff explained liquidity is calculated from low points in the general fund cash flow and that deeper cuts would be required to remain above targets in out years.
•Susan Brown urged funding for the Snohomish Conservation District to help landowners manage landscapes and invasive species.

Directions

•Staff to provide further details on liquidity calculation and assumptions.

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