Everett City Council Update: An Opportunity for a Levy, An Opportunity for Voters
At the May 1st City Council Meeting, a number of things happened. The Appropriations Of The 2024 Revised City Of Everett Budget ordinance (which was also amended the previous week to provide financial resources to Everett’s neighborhoods with one-time funding support) passed, the Mayor signed a Professional Services Agreement with Conquer Addiction PLLC, and a new amendment permitting the city to have more flexibility during the bid-process for certain goods and services was introduced. The big topic though - Item 9 (which was moved to the end of the meeting to give space for discussion) - also known as Adopt A Resolution Providing For The Submission Of A Proposition On The August 6, 2024 Ballot Authorizing The City To Levy Regular Property Taxes In Excess Of The Limitations Of Chapter 84.55 RCW; And Appointing Three Members Each To The Voters Pamphlet Pro And Con Committees.
That’s a bit of a mouthful, but this item was all about two things - first, adopting a resolution to put a ballot measure on the August 6th, 2024 ballot that would allow the City to increase property taxes to fund “quality of life and essential public services.” Second, to appoint three members each to the Pro and Con Committees to develop statements for the Voters Pamphlet.
Regarding the Pro and Con Committees, Jennifer Gregerson clarified that the City randomly selects three members for each side and they, under the guidance of the County Auditor, write statements for the Voter Pamphlet including an original statement and a rebuttal. Jennifer shared the names of the chosen applicants and, after a clarifying question from Councilmember Zarlingo, shared that if members of the public wish to contact one of the committee members, they should reach out to her so she can direct them appropriately. Councilmember Vogeli also asked about the process - namely, why wasn’t the auditor doing the drawing since these committee members received their tasks from that office? Jennifer was able to share that this is how it’s written and doing it this way also helps keep the tight timelines and objectivity that are part of this process.
Regarding the levy itself, according to the measure, the additional increase would only impact the City’s regular property tax levy, which is about 18% of property taxes paid by property owners in Everett. There would be no impact on the City’s EMS levy (4 cents/dollar) and wouldn’t affect other property taxes in other areas.
The reason this levy is being looked it is because of funding - Everett needs additional revenue option to fund public safety, libraries, street maintenance, neighorhood support, animal shelters, and really all of our City’s essential services that make our town such an amazing place to live. If we continue on the path we are on now, it’s likely the city will have to cut down on even more essential services and supports in order to address our growing deficit.
This new levy is predicted to cost property owners $29/month and may result in a 1% increase for renters (if landlords choose to pass on that tax for their property). This levy is also predicted to address the City’s deficit for the next three years.
The only public comment was from former Councilmember Scott Murphy, who stated that he felt this vote was putting “the cart before the horse” due to decisions still being needed for the budget and that he was against sending this to the voters until the Council explored other options. Discussion from the Councilmembers themselves started with Vogeli clarifying that putting this levy option in front of the voters doesn’t mean it will pass and that it’s not Council’s job to “keep it from the voters”. Council President Schwab suggested an amendment adding specific allocations within the ordinance so, if the levy passed, the funding would specifically go to these needed areas, which passed unanimously. Councilmember Rhyne then suggested another amendment to change the title to better reflect the intention of the levy lift, which passed with an abstention from Bader and a no vote from Touhy.
Discussion surrounding the levy lift itself continued, taking into consideration the likelihood of landlords exploiting renters by passing on costs and the fact that this levy lift, if it passes, will not be the only action we need to address our deficit. Most members expressed support for this levy because of how it does help our city meet the needs of the residents and because this was not the only pathway being explored to resolve this issue, and all members gave thanks to the staff for their support throughout this process. Ultimately, the Council voted in favor of sending this levy to the voters (the only dissenting vote was Tuohy) and the people of Everett will decide whether or not to accept this property tax increase on August 6th, 2024.
Until those Voter Pamphlets come out, you can read more about this ballot measure here.
Angela Di Filippo currently works in State Social Services and recently earned her Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with extensive training in evidence-based leadership coaching. Angela moved from North Carolina to Washington 6 years ago and has proudly called Everett her home for 5 of those years. When not helping others solve problems in creative and strength-driven ways, Angela enjoys her time painting, hiking with her terrier-mix, Indy, and eating waffles.
