Tag: Local Government

  • Port of Allyn Grapeview Weigh $2M SR-3 Property Deal

    Port of Allyn Grapeview Weigh $2M SR-3 Property Deal

    Two public meetings held in April 2026 set up decisions that Mason County civic watchers should track through the summer. At the Port of Grapeview’s April regular meeting, commissioners formally agreed to research a $2 million joint commercial property purchase with the Port of Allyn — a governance experiment that would require two independent Washington port districts to share ownership of a single asset. And in Shelton, OneStop Northwest LLC has finalized its new downtown location, the product of a business expansion that moves a Union-based company into the county seat’s commercial core.

    The Port Districts’ $2M Shared Asset Question

    What Port of Allyn Executive Director Travis Merrill brought to Port of Grapeview Commissioner Mike Blaisdell is not a routine port purchase. The SR-3 property near East Harding Hill Road — a $2 million commercial and light industrial site with existing tenants and room for expansion — would, if acquired, be owned jointly by two separate special-purpose districts. That is not unprecedented in Washington state port history, but it requires research, and the Grapeview board directed Managing Official Amanda Montgomery to find out how other port districts have structured such arrangements.

    The financial case Merrill has made to the Grapeview board is straightforward: after expenses, each district could earn $15,000 to $18,000 per year from the property. For the Port of Grapeview — small enough that insurance costs alone represent a budget challenge — that recurring revenue would materially improve financial stability.

    “There is no way that either of our ports, or even any of the ports in Mason County except the Port of Shelton, is going to be able to weather the storm that seems to be coming without some sort of financial assets,” Merrill said at the April meeting.

    Commissioner Doug Jones agreed the property was worth evaluating. “It’s something we should at least talk about,” he said, acknowledging the $2 million price tag is “a significant amount of money.”

    What civic watchers should track:

    • Site visit: Both port districts agreed to visit the SR-3 property before any purchase commitment. Watch for this to be announced at upcoming Port of Allyn and Port of Grapeview regular meetings.
    • Shared ownership legal structure: Amanda Montgomery has been tasked with researching how Washington port districts can co-hold an asset. The legal framework she surfaces will likely determine whether this deal proceeds and in what form.
    • Board votes: Any purchase at $2 million requires formal board action at both districts. Neither board has voted — this is still in preliminary evaluation.

    The Port of Allyn entered this conversation from a position of relative stability. Its 2026 state accountability audit found no findings — a clean bill of health on public fund management — and the port recouped the full $99,731 it spent removing the sunken vessel Sea Bear from Hood Canal waters, with Washington State’s DNR Derelict Vessels Program providing 100% reimbursement.

    OneStop Northwest: A Business Milestone in the County Seat

    For civic watchers tracking downtown Shelton’s commercial activity, the May 22 ribbon-cutting for OneStop Northwest at 124 N. 2nd St., Suite A is a data point. The Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce is participating. The grand opening is at 4:30 p.m.

    OneStop Northwest’s expansion from Union into a downtown Shelton showroom reflects the same bet Merrill is making with the SR-3 property: that Mason County’s local economy has enough density to support professional services and commercial real estate that local operators control.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What governance structure would a Port of Allyn–Port of Grapeview joint property ownership require?

    Two independent Washington port districts would need to establish a legal framework for co-holding an asset — including how operating decisions are made, how expenses are split, how revenues are distributed, and what happens if one district wants to exit the arrangement. Port of Grapeview Managing Official Amanda Montgomery has been tasked with researching models used by other Washington port districts.

    Has the Port of Grapeview board voted to purchase the SR-3 property?

    No. As of the April 2026 regular meeting, commissioners agreed only to schedule a site visit and research the shared ownership legal framework. No purchase motion has been made at either district.

    What is the Port of Allyn’s current financial condition?

    The Port of Allyn received a clean 2026 Washington State accountability audit with no findings, and recouped $99,731 in full from the DNR Derelict Vessels Program for the Sea Bear removal. Executive Director Travis Merrill has, however, been candid that small port districts face growing financial pressure and need diversified revenue sources.

    What is the assessed value of the SR-3 property?

    Approximately $2 million. The property has a history of commercial and light industrial use, has existing tenants, and includes space that is currently vacant with potential for future expansion.

    When will the port districts make a final decision on the SR-3 property?

    No timeline has been set. The next steps are a site visit by commissioners from both districts and research into shared ownership models. Follow public meeting agendas for the Port of Allyn and Port of Grapeview for updates.


    Related Coverage

  • Snohomish County Ordinances Target Homelessness & Fentanyl

    Snohomish County Ordinances Target Homelessness & Fentanyl

    A Snohomish County Council member introduced four new ordinances this week that would significantly shift how the county approaches homelessness, behavioral health treatment, and drug policy — including a proposal to prohibit county funding from being used to purchase drug paraphernalia and another that would criminalize exposing children to fentanyl.

    Council Member Nate Nehring, who represents District 1 on the Snohomish County Council, introduced the package and outlined each proposal in a May 6, 2026 column published in The Daily Herald.

    For Everett residents, the legislation touches on issues that directly affect city neighborhoods — from the cost and structure of county-funded shelter and housing programs to the legal framework around drug exposure in homes with children. The four bills are proposals; they have not yet been voted on. Each must go through committee review and at least one public hearing before the full council takes action.

    The Four Proposals, One by One

    Proposal 1: Removing the County’s Housing First Preference

    The first ordinance would prevent the county from requiring county-funded housing programs to adhere to strict “Housing First” policies. Instead, Nehring wrote, the proposal would “level the playing field for entities which prioritize accountability.”

    Housing First is a model used by many government housing programs that prioritizes placing people in stable housing before addressing other challenges such as addiction or mental health treatment. Under Nehring’s proposal, county-funded programs would not be required to follow the Housing First framework, opening the door for the county to fund programs that incorporate treatment requirements as part of their model.

    Proposal 2: Directing More AHBH Dollars Toward Behavioral Health Facilities

    The second ordinance would redirect a larger share of the county’s Affordable Housing and Behavioral Health (AHBH) Fund toward behavioral health facilities specifically.

    Nehring wrote that $3 million annually — about 12.2% of AHBH funds — currently goes toward behavioral health facilities. The proposal would increase that share to 20%, expanding the funding available for treatment, recovery, and stabilization services.

    The AHBH fund is a sales-tax-funded source — authorized under state law — that the County Council allocates to housing and behavioral health projects across Snohomish County. In April 2026, the county council awarded $23 million from the fund to six housing projects, including three in Everett: a 172-bed shelter expansion, a 28-unit affordable apartment building, and a 58-unit transit-oriented mixed-use building. Read: How $23 Million in Housing Money Moved Without a Tax Vote

    Proposal 3: Prohibiting County Funds for Drug Paraphernalia

    The third ordinance would prohibit Snohomish County from using local taxpayer dollars to purchase and distribute drug paraphernalia. Nehring described the proposal as intended to “ensure that county government does not facilitate activities that enable ongoing drug abuse,” with county policy instead focused on “treatment, recovery, and accountability.”

    The specific definitions and any exemptions — including for medications such as naloxone, the overdose-reversal drug — would be determined in the ordinance’s legislative text as it moves through the review process.

    Proposal 4: Child Fentanyl Exposure Ordinance

    The fourth ordinance would criminalize the exposure of minors to fentanyl at the county level, modeled on a similar law recently enacted by the City of Everett.

    Washington State law already criminalizes exposing children to methamphetamine, but does not specifically address fentanyl. Nehring wrote that “local governments around the state are now taking action to address child fentanyl exposure.” The Snohomish County proposal would extend similar protections to cover fentanyl exposure at the county level.

    What Comes Next for the Legislation

    Nehring introduced the four proposals this week at the Snohomish County Council. None has yet been voted on. Snohomish County ordinances go through a committee review and public hearing process before the full council votes on them. The timeline for hearings on each bill will be set by the council’s legislative calendar.

    The Snohomish County Council has five members elected by district. For any proposal to become law, a majority — three votes — would be required.

    The Policy Context

    Snohomish County — with Everett as its county seat — has invested substantially in housing and behavioral health programs in recent years, using dedicated sales tax revenues to fund shelter, affordable housing, and treatment projects.

    Nehring’s four-bill package reflects a debate playing out in counties and cities across Washington State about how government housing programs should be structured, whether treatment requirements should be part of publicly funded housing programs, and how counties should allocate limited behavioral health dollars.

    Nehring represents District 1 on the Snohomish County Council and lives in Arlington. In his column, he described witnessing the day-to-day work of social workers embedded with law enforcement and said current policy approaches “do not appear to be solving the problem.”

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Housing First?

    Housing First is a policy framework that prioritizes placing people experiencing homelessness in stable housing as quickly as possible, without requiring sobriety or participation in treatment as a precondition. It is used in many county and state housing programs across Washington.

    Have these bills passed?

    No. As of May 6, the four ordinances have been introduced. They must go through committee review and at least one public hearing before a full council vote.

    Does this affect the City of Everett’s budget or the EMS levy?

    No. These are county-level ordinances. They would affect how Snohomish County allocates county funds, not the City of Everett’s budget or any pending city ballot measures.

    How is the AHBH fund paid for?

    The Affordable Housing and Behavioral Health Fund is funded by a sales tax authorized by state law (RCW 82.14.530 and RCW 82.14.540). The county council allocates the proceeds through its regular legislative process; no separate voter approval is required for each award.

    Can Everett residents comment on county legislation?

    Yes. Snohomish County residents can testify at County Council meetings, submit written comments through the county website, or contact their district representative directly. The County Council meets at 3000 Rockefeller Ave in Everett.

    What To Do Next

    Track the bills: Visit snohomishcountywa.gov and navigate to the County Council’s meeting calendar to follow committee schedules for these four ordinances.

    Submit written comment: Contact the Snohomish County Council office with your perspective on any of the four proposals before they reach a public hearing.

    Attend a council meeting: The Snohomish County Council meets at 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett. Meeting dates and agendas are posted at snohomishcountywa.gov.

    Find your council district: Visit snohomishcountywa.gov to identify which of the five council members represents your area.

  • Everett CB 2604-24: Appointive Officer Compensation Changes

    Everett CB 2604-24: Appointive Officer Compensation Changes

    Featured snippet:

    Q: What is Council Bill 2604-24, and when does the Everett City Council vote on it?
    A: CB 2604-24 amends Chapter 2.74 of the Everett Municipal Code, which governs compensation and fringe benefits for the city’s appointive officers, classified nonrepresented employees, and councilmembers themselves. First reading is at the May 6, 2026 council meeting. Third and final reading is scheduled for May 20, 2026.

    Wednesday night at City Hall, the Everett City Council will take up the first reading of an ordinance most residents will never read but every resident pays for.

    Council Bill 2604-24 is on the May 6 agenda as a Proposed Action Item — a 1st reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 2.74 of the Everett Municipal Code, which is the section of city code that governs how Everett pays its appointed department heads, its classified nonrepresented employees, and its own city councilmembers. The third and final reading is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at the next regular council meeting after Wednesday’s vote.

    The ordinance itself is short on the agenda — one line on a single page of consent and action items. But the chapter it amends is the section of code that decides how much the city pays the people running its departments and what benefits they get for that work. For a city facing a projected $14 million 2027 general fund gap (covered earlier in this desk’s run log on April 21), how the appointed leadership is compensated is not a side question.

    This article breaks down what Chapter 2.74 actually does, what’s likely to be inside CB 2604-24, the calendar between Wednesday and May 20, and how residents who want to weigh in can do so before the third reading.

    What Changes for Residents

    Three things to know up front:

    The vote is not final on Wednesday. Wednesday is the 1st reading. The final vote is May 20. That gives residents two weeks to read the ordinance bill, watch the May 6 deliberation, and submit public comment before the council acts.

    This is not a salary-setting vote for elected councilmembers in isolation. Chapter 2.74 covers three categories: appointive officers (the people the mayor appoints to run departments), classified nonrepresented employees (city staff who are not covered by a union contract), and the city council itself. Any change to one article of the chapter typically gets discussed alongside the others.

    You can read the actual bill before the meeting. The full PDF of CB 2604-24 is posted to the city’s Agenda Center under the May 6, 2026 agenda packet. The link to the document — including any staff memo explaining what the changes do — is published on everettwa.gov/AgendaCenter at least 72 hours before the meeting under state public-meeting rules.

    What Chapter 2.74 Actually Covers

    The Everett Municipal Code organizes Chapter 2.74 into three articles, each covering a different category of city personnel:

    Article I — Appointive Officers. These are the department heads and senior staff appointed by the mayor — the people who actually run departments like Public Works, Parks, the Police Department’s civilian leadership, the Fire Department’s civilian leadership, and similar roles. Under existing code, the mayor sets the workweek for appointive officers as needed for “efficient functioning of city government.” Appointive officers who are exempt from the federal Fair Labor Standards Act do not get premium pay for overtime, callbacks, or holidays, and no appointive officer gets longevity premium pay.

    The chapter also defines insurance benefits for these officers: basic and major medical, vision, and dental coverage for the officer and eligible dependents, with the full-time officer required to contribute ten percent of the cost of medical coverage.

    Article II — Classified Nonrepresented Employees. These are city employees who are not in a union bargaining unit. Their compensation and benefits are set through this chapter rather than through collective bargaining.

    Article III — City Council. This article covers how Everett pays its own councilmembers and council president, including any expense reimbursements and benefits.

    Chapter 2.74 is distinct from Chapter 2.72, which handles general employee compensation, and Chapter 2.70, which sets the broader Performance Management and Compensation Plan. The salary ordinance for represented employees lives elsewhere in the code.

    What’s Likely Inside CB 2604-24

    The agenda title for CB 2604-24 reads: “Adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 2.74 of the Everett Municipal Code, which pertains to appointive employee compensation and fringe benefits.”

    The agenda doesn’t say specifically which sections of the chapter are being amended. That’s standard format for first-reading agenda titles — the substance is in the bill PDF in the agenda packet, not in the headline. Residents who want to know exactly what changes the ordinance proposes need to download the bill itself from the May 6 agenda packet at everettwa.gov/AgendaCenter.

    What is typical for ordinances of this type — based on how Chapter 2.74 has been amended in prior years — is one or more of the following: an adjustment to the cost-of-living formula, a change to the fringe-benefit contribution percentages, an update to the language defining which positions are “appointive” versus “classified,” a clarification of FLSA-exempt status for specific roles, or a reorganization of how the three articles interact.

    Residents reading the bill should look for: which sections are added, which are deleted, which are modified, and whether the changes are prospective (forward-looking only) or retroactive to a prior pay period.

    The Calendar Between Wednesday and May 20

    Everett ordinances generally get three readings before adoption:

    • 1st Reading: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. — Council Chambers, 3002 Wetmore Avenue. The bill is introduced, staff may offer a brief explanation, and councilmembers can ask questions. There is typically no full debate at first reading; the bill is “read” and held over.
    • 2nd Reading: would normally be May 13, 2026 — at the regular Wednesday meeting that week. The bill receives further consideration. Amendments are most commonly offered at second reading.
    • 3rd & Final Reading: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. — the agenda title for CB 2604-24 specifically lists “(3rd & Final Reading 5/20/26)” — meaning the final vote, in current city practice, is consolidated into a single agenda item on the third meeting in the cycle.

    If amendments are added between first and final reading, those amendments themselves can extend the process. Residents who want to follow the bill should set a reminder for May 20.

    How to Weigh In Before May 20

    Everett’s council meetings include a Public Comment period at the start of every regular meeting. Residents who want to comment on CB 2604-24 have several paths:

    In person at the meeting. Public Comment runs near the start of every regular Wednesday meeting. Residents arrive at Council Chambers, 3002 Wetmore Avenue, before 6:30 p.m. and sign up at the door. The standard time limit is three minutes per speaker.

    By Zoom. Register at everettwa.gov/speakerform no later than 30 minutes before the meeting starts. The city’s notice requires that you identify the topic you wish to address.

    By email. Send written comments to Council@everettwa.gov. The city notes that emailed comments submitted at least 24 hours before the meeting are distributed to all councilmembers and appropriate staff. Comments sent later may not reach councilmembers before the vote.

    By mail. 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 9A, Everett, WA 98201. Allow time for delivery if you go this route.

    Comments on non-agenda items may be asked to be submitted in writing if the comment does not address an issue of “broad public interest,” per the city’s published guidance. CB 2604-24 is on the agenda for Wednesday and again on May 20, so it qualifies as an agenda item for both meetings.

    Watching the Meeting

    Wednesday’s meeting will be broadcast live and recorded. Two ways to follow along:

    Live and archived video: YouTube.com/EverettCity. The full archive of past meetings is searchable from there.

    Agenda and bill PDFs: everettwa.gov/citycouncil and the AgendaCenter for the May 6, 2026 packet.

    If you cannot watch Wednesday but want to be informed before May 20, the meeting recording typically posts within 24 hours and the official minutes — including the roll-call vote on first reading and any amendments offered — are added to the May 6 agenda page on the city website within a week.

    Why This Matters Inside Everett’s Bigger Budget Picture

    Earlier in this desk’s run log (April 21, 2026) we covered Everett’s projected $14 million 2027 general fund gap and the four levers the city is weighing to close it: the regional fire RFA, Sno-Isle library regionalization, another levy lid lift, and possible annexation. Three of those four require voter approval.

    How the city pays its appointive officers and classified nonrepresented employees is not the largest line in the general fund, but it is one of the lines the city has direct discretion over without going to voters. Any ordinance amending Chapter 2.74 in 2026 is happening inside that budget context whether the bill mentions the gap or not. Residents reading CB 2604-24 should look for whether the ordinance is structured to add cost, hold cost flat, or save cost — and whether the staff memo that accompanies the bill addresses the 2027 budget connection.

    That answer is in the agenda packet, not in the headline.

    What to Do Next

    Before Wednesday:

    • Download CB 2604-24 from the May 6, 2026 agenda packet at everettwa.gov/AgendaCenter.
    • Read the staff memo (if attached) for the city’s explanation of what changes and why.
    • If you want to speak at Wednesday’s meeting in person, plan to arrive at 3002 Wetmore Avenue before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. To speak via Zoom, register at everettwa.gov/speakerform by 6 p.m.

    Between May 6 and May 20:

    • Watch the May 6 first-reading deliberation on YouTube.com/EverettCity to see which councilmembers engage and what they ask.
    • Submit written comment to Council@everettwa.gov at least 24 hours before May 20 to ensure councilmembers receive it before the final vote.
    • Track whether any amendments are filed between readings — those typically appear on the agenda for the second reading the week before final.

    On May 20:

    • The 3rd and final reading is scheduled for the Wednesday, May 20 meeting at 6:30 p.m.
    • Public comment is again accepted before the vote.
    • The roll call shows where each councilmember landed.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does Chapter 2.74 of the Everett Municipal Code govern?

    Chapter 2.74 covers compensation and fringe benefits for the City of Everett’s appointive officers (department heads appointed by the mayor), classified nonrepresented employees (city staff not covered by union contracts), and the city council itself.

    When is the first reading of CB 2604-24?

    Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 3002 Wetmore Avenue.

    When is the final vote?

    Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The agenda item for May 6 specifically lists “(3rd & Final Reading 5/20/26).”

    Where can I read the actual ordinance bill?

    The PDF of CB 2604-24 is in the May 6, 2026 agenda packet at everettwa.gov/AgendaCenter, along with any staff memo explaining the changes.

    How do I submit public comment?

    By email to Council@everettwa.gov (at least 24 hours before the meeting to ensure councilmembers receive it), in person at Council Chambers, by Zoom (register at everettwa.gov/speakerform no later than 30 minutes before the meeting), or by mail to 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 9A, Everett, WA 98201.

    Does this ordinance set salaries for elected city councilmembers?

    Chapter 2.74 includes Article III on City Council compensation, but the agenda title for CB 2604-24 specifically references “appointive employee compensation and fringe benefits” — the appointed-officer side of the chapter. Residents who want to know which articles the bill modifies need to read the bill PDF.

    Is this connected to Everett’s 2027 budget gap?

    Everett is projecting a roughly $14 million 2027 general fund gap. How the city pays its appointive officers and classified nonrepresented employees is one of the discretionary lines in the general fund. The ordinance does not have to mention the gap to be relevant to it; residents should look at the staff memo for whether the city addresses the connection.

    Where do I watch the meeting?

    Live and archived at YouTube.com/EverettCity. The May 6 meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.

  • Snohomish County Candidate Filing: 2026 Election Guide

    Snohomish County Candidate Filing: 2026 Election Guide

    Featured snippet:

    Q: When does Snohomish County 2026 candidate filing open and close?
    A: Filing opens at 8 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2026, and closes at 5 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026. Candidates can file online through the Washington Secretary of State at sos.wa.gov/elections, or in person at Snohomish County Elections, 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Admin West Building, 1st Floor, Everett.

    If you have ever told a friend “somebody should run against this person,” Monday is the morning when “somebody” turns into “you, by Friday at five o’clock.”

    Snohomish County’s 2026 candidate filing window opens at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 4, and closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8. That’s the entire window. Five business days. After Friday at 5 p.m., the November 2026 ballot is locked, and any office without a candidate filed against the incumbent simply re-elects the incumbent by default.

    For Everett residents, that means this week is when the actual list of choices for November gets written — not by a campaign, not by a party, but by whoever walks in or logs on between Monday morning and Friday evening.

    What Changes for Residents This Week

    The most important thing for residents to know: the November 2026 ballot is decided this week, not in November. Any race with only one filed candidate is over before the primary even runs. Any race with two or more candidates from the same party in a top-two primary state like Washington heads to the August 4 primary, where the top two finishers — regardless of party — advance to November.

    That’s it. That’s the structure. Filing week is the gate. Everything downstream — the August primary, the October mailing of voters’ pamphlets, the November general — is downstream of who walked in this week.

    The Everett City Council itself is not on the 2026 ballot. The next Everett Council seats up are the at-large positions 6 and 7, scheduled for the end of 2027. So if you were thinking about a run at City Hall, this is not your year. But several other offices that touch life in Everett are open this cycle, including Snohomish County Council seats, county-wide constitutional offices, and judicial positions covering the courts that handle most everyday legal matters in the city.

    The full official list of offices on the 2026 ballot is maintained by Snohomish County Elections at the 2026 Candidate Guide linked from snohomishcountywa.gov/5729/Run-for-Office. Some offices file with Snohomish County Elections, others file with the Washington Secretary of State directly — the Candidate Guide tells you which is which for every position.

    How Filing Works

    Snohomish County Elections has set up four ways to file:

    Online (recommended). File through the Washington Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing portal at sos.wa.gov/elections. This is the path the county pushes hardest because it timestamps automatically, accepts payment, and produces a confirmation email. Most candidates file this way.

    In person. Walk in to Snohomish County Elections at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Admin West Building, 1st Floor, Everett, WA 98201. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday during the filing window. Bring identification. Bring payment for the filing fee.

    By email. Send a Declaration of Candidacy to elections@snoco.gov.

    By fax. Send to (425) 355-3444.

    The phone number for questions is (425) 388-3444. If you have any doubt about which office you’re filing for, which jurisdiction the office sits in, or whether your address falls inside the right district, call before you file. A misfiled candidacy is harder to fix than a delayed one.

    The Filing Fee

    Most positions with a salary require a filing fee equal to 1% of the annual salary for the office. So a position that pays $100,000 a year requires a $1,000 filing fee, due at the time of filing or no later than 5 p.m. Friday, May 8.

    Two important practical notes on the fee:

    First, the 1% rule is real money for some offices. If you are running for a position that pays well, plan for the fee in advance — it must be paid during the filing window itself.

    Second, candidates who cannot afford the filing fee can submit a petition with signatures of registered voters in the jurisdiction in lieu of the fee. The signature requirements vary by office. Snohomish County Elections has the petition forms and the signature-count requirements for each position, available through the Run for Office page on the county website or by calling the elections office directly.

    What Sits Above and Around This Week

    Filing week sits inside a longer civic calendar that residents will see roll out across 2026:

    August 4 is the primary election. For races with three or more candidates, the top two advance regardless of party. For races with one or two candidates total, there is effectively no primary — both candidates simply move on to November.

    November 3 is the general election. Mail-in ballots get mailed roughly two weeks before election day. Washington is a vote-by-mail state with same-day registration through election day at the elections office.

    Ballot certification typically runs two to three weeks after election day. As the desk’s protocol reminds us: until the Snohomish County Auditor’s office certifies a result, every count is preliminary. November 3 results are not the final results. They are the early count.

    The sequence matters because what happens this week — who files for what office — determines what voters in Everett will see when their ballots arrive in October. If nobody files for an open seat, the seat stays open by default rules and gets appointed. If only the incumbent files, the incumbent is re-elected without a contest. If two or more file, voters get a choice.

    What to Do Next

    If you are thinking about running:

    1. Pull up the 2026 Candidate Guide from snohomishcountywa.gov/5729/Run-for-Office before Monday morning. Identify the office, the salary, and the filing-fee amount.
    2. Decide whether to file online (sos.wa.gov/elections) or in person at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett.
    3. Have payment ready — credit card if filing online, check or card if filing in person.
    4. File during business hours. If you wait until late Friday afternoon, you are competing with everyone else who waited.

    If you are thinking about supporting someone else who should run:

    1. Send them this article today. They have until Friday.
    2. Help them identify the office, find the filing fee, and walk through the Candidate Guide.
    3. If you live in the same district, ask them whether they would sign their name if you filed.

    If you are not running but want to follow what fills out this week:

    • Snohomish County Elections will post the candidate list shortly after filing closes Friday at 5 p.m. The list lives at the Candidates and Measures on the Ballot page (snohomishcountywa.gov/5722/See-Whats-on-the-Ballot).
    • Washington’s statewide candidate list is at voter.votewa.gov.
    • The Daily Herald, My Everett News, and the Snohomish County Tribune all cover filing-week results once the list is final.

    What This Costs the Public

    Filing week itself costs the public almost nothing — Snohomish County Elections runs as a baseline function of the Auditor’s office regardless of how many candidates file. The downstream cost is the August primary, which the county runs whether two candidates file or two hundred. The election infrastructure is paid for; the unknown variable is whether residents get a real choice on the ballot.

    That is the actual stake of filing week. Not money. Not partisan advantage. Just whether November 2026 is a real election or a paperwork formality for offices Everett residents pay for and live under.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When does candidate filing open and close in Snohomish County?

    Filing opens at 8 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2026, and closes at 5 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2026. There are no extensions for any reason.

    Where can I file as a candidate?

    Online at sos.wa.gov/elections (recommended), in person at Snohomish County Elections, 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Admin West Building, 1st Floor, Everett, WA 98201, by email to elections@snoco.gov, or by fax to (425) 355-3444.

    Is the Everett City Council on the 2026 ballot?

    No. The next Everett City Council seats up for election are at-large positions 6 and 7, which are on the November 2027 ballot. The 2026 ballot includes other positions that affect Everett, including Snohomish County Council seats, county-wide offices, and judicial positions.

    How much does it cost to file?

    For most paid offices, the filing fee is 1% of the office’s annual salary. The fee must be paid at filing or no later than 5 p.m. Friday, May 8. Candidates who cannot afford the fee can file a petition with signatures of registered voters in the jurisdiction in lieu of payment.

    What happens if nobody files against an incumbent?

    The incumbent is re-elected by default. There is no general-election ballot contest for an unopposed seat under the same party.

    When is the 2026 primary?

    August 4, 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. Washington is a top-two primary state — the top two finishers in any primary advance to November regardless of party.

    Where can I find the official list of every office on the 2026 ballot?

    The 2026 Candidate Guide on the Snohomish County Elections “Run for Office” page (snohomishcountywa.gov/5729/Run-for-Office) lists every office, the filing fee, and whether the office files with the county or with the state. The statewide list lives at voter.votewa.gov.

    Who do I call if I have questions about filing?

    Snohomish County Elections at (425) 388-3444. Call before you file rather than after.

  • North Mason School Levy Leads in Early Election Returns

    North Mason School Levy Leads in Early Election Returns

    After two consecutive defeats and more than a year of painful budget cuts, the North Mason School District’s levy is leading in early returns — but results are not yet certified.

    According to the Mason County Auditor’s Office, the April 28 special election produced 2,130 yes votes (53.50%) and 1,851 no votes (46.50%) in combined Mason and Kitsap county totals as of election night. The Mason County Auditor’s website notes that ballot processing continues through May 7, 2026. These are preliminary results. Final certified totals are available at results.vote.wa.gov.

    Superintendent Kristine Michael responded cautiously. “We are very pleased and encouraged by these preliminary results, and we will be monitoring closely as ballots continue to be counted and certified,” Michael told local media on election night. “If this outcome holds, it reflects the trust this community is placing in our schools and our students.”

    The district lowered its ask substantially heading into this vote. The April levy requests $18.9 million over four years at a rate of $1.01 per $1,000 of assessed property value — down from the $1.28 rate attached to the two 2025 proposals that both failed. Before the election, the district also made $1.3 million in additional cuts and eliminated two administrative positions as a concession to community feedback.

    The levy funds programs that state basic education dollars don’t cover: safety officers, school nurses, counselors, athletics, music, Advanced Placement courses, custodians, and curriculum materials. North Mason has been operating without levy funding in 2026 following back-to-back 2025 failures, which forced the district to cut roughly $4.5 million from its budget.

    Even if the levy is certified, funds won’t arrive until April 2027 at the earliest — meaning the programs already cut will not be immediately restored. “Those funds would allow us to avoid making additional reductions, but because we are operating with only a partial year of levy revenue even in a passage scenario, we would not be in a position to restore programs or positions already reduced,” Michael said in a prior statement.

    The school board is composed of Arla Shephard Bull, Leanna Krotzer, Erik Youngberg, Nicole González Timmons, and Nicholas Thomas, with Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael leading the district from its Belfair campus at 250 E. Campus Drive, Belfair, WA 98528, (360) 277-2300.

    This story will be updated when results are certified by the Mason County Auditor. Track live results at results.vote.wa.gov.

    Related Coverage on the April 28 Levy Result

  • Mason County Infrastructure: PUD 3 Fiber & Shelton Highway

    Mason County Infrastructure: PUD 3 Fiber & Shelton Highway

    For residents tucked into the Three Fingers area of Mason County — one of the harder-to-reach corners of the county’s broadband map — the wait is over. Mason County Public Utility District No. 3 has reached the April 2026 completion deadline for its Three Fingers Fiber Project, a five-year effort funded in part by a federal USDA ReConnect grant that has connected more than 250 homes and businesses to symmetrical gigabit fiber internet.

    The milestone caps a project that began in early 2020 when PUD 3 was awarded the ReConnect grant. Construction faced early delays tied to COVID-19 and federal procurement processes, but the mainline distribution network was completed well ahead of the April 2026 federal deadline. Over the final months, crews worked neighborhood by neighborhood connecting individual homes and businesses that had applied for service — a process PUD 3 calls its “Fiberhood” model.

    What the Connection Means for Residents

    The Three Fingers buildout brings the total number of homes and businesses connected to PUD 3’s open-access fiber network to more than 3,000 across Mason County, including areas that previously had no broadband options whatsoever. The open-access design is key: rather than locking customers into one provider, PUD 3 owns the physical fiber infrastructure while a roster of local internet retailers competes to deliver service over it. Customers can choose from multiple providers offering unlimited, symmetrical 1,000/1,000 Mbps gigabit internet, HDTV, and phone service — and switch between them without any new wiring.

    For families in the Three Fingers community, that means the same fiber speeds available in urban centers, delivered to homes that until recently had to make do with slow or unreliable connections. Remote workers, students doing homework, and small home-based businesses all stand to benefit directly.

    Residents who have not yet applied for a connection are encouraged to contact PUD 3’s Telecom Team. An Engineering Designer will review the construction needed to reach the home and walk through next steps. The application fee waiver extended through May 31, 2026, for the neighboring Cloquallum Communities Fiberhood may also still be in effect — residents in that area should check pud3.org for current terms.

    Shelton Eyes $6 Million Overhaul of Olympic Highway North — But Bikes Come First

    On the southern end of the county, Shelton is moving — slowly but deliberately — toward the most significant road reconstruction project in nearly four decades. Olympic Highway North, which runs from C Street to Wallace Kneeland Boulevard, has not been paved in 37 years. The pavement is fractured and cracked, and the City of Shelton is now asking the public to weigh in on what the rebuilt road should look like.

    About 50 residents turned out to a community meeting at the Shelton Civic Center on March 10 to hear consultant Transpo Group present four design options. Each option addresses the deteriorating roadway differently, with varying configurations for travel lanes, parking, and — notably — bike lanes. A $3.7 million grant from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board comes with a condition: the final design must include dedicated bicycle lanes. That requirement is shaping the conversation and has generated discussion among residents about how best to balance competing uses on the corridor.

    The total project cost is estimated at up to $6 million, with the Transportation Improvement Board grant covering the majority of that figure alongside additional city and grant funding. Transpo Group is expected to finalize the design this coming winter, with the project going out for bid in spring 2027 and construction potentially beginning in summer 2027.

    For now, the city is continuing to gather public feedback on the four design options. Residents who want to weigh in can visit sheltonwa.gov for more information on the Olympic Highway North project. The road serves as a key corridor for residents commuting between the northern neighborhoods of Shelton and downtown, and the reconstruction is expected to improve safety, drainage, and accessibility when it eventually gets underway.

    What to Watch

    On the broadband front, PUD 3’s Cloquallum Communities Fiberhood — Phase 2 of which launched in February 2026 covering the Wivell Road, Loertscher Road, and Cloquallum neighborhoods — has a project completion deadline of October 2026. Residents in those areas who have not yet applied should do so before application windows close.

    For Olympic Highway North, the next public milestone will be the release of the final design, expected winter 2026–2027. Shelton residents with strong feelings about bike lanes, parking, or lane configuration should engage with the city now, while options are still on the table.

    Related Coverage

    In-depth reporting on these stories:

    Related Coverage

    In-depth reporting on these stories:

  • FF(X) Frigate Contract: Naval Station Everett Homeport Bid

    FF(X) Frigate Contract: Naval Station Everett Homeport Bid

    For five months, the FF(X) frigate existed primarily as an announcement: the Navy’s replacement for the cancelled Constellation-class program, based on Ingalls’ National Security Cutter hull, with Everett still hoping to win the homeport designation. On April 28, 2026, it became a contract. The Navy awarded HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding a $282.9 million lead yard support contract — and the first $80.6 million activates immediately, authorizing Ingalls to start cutting and shaping steel. Here is what the Everett community needs to understand about what just changed, and what the homeport campaign looks like from here.

    What the Contract Actually Covers

    The April 28 contract is a lead yard support award — the pre-construction phase work that front-loads design refinement and material preparation before formal ship construction begins. Under its terms, Ingalls is authorized to begin cutting and shaping raw materials for the main structural foundation of the first FF(X) frigate, secure key materials, and finalize design details ahead of full construction authorization.

    Of the initial $80.6 million tranche, approximately 73% — roughly $58.8 million — comes from Navy fiscal year 2026 shipbuilding and conversion appropriations. The remaining 27%, about $21.8 million, is funded through Navy research and development accounts. The full contract runs through April 2028.

    “We are excited to partner with the Navy to bring these preproduction steps under contract to accelerate delivery of the frigates that our warfighters need,” said Brian Blanchette, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, in the company’s April 28 announcement. The contract was not competed — Ingalls built the Legend-class National Security Cutter on which the FF(X) is based, giving them a direct award under the Navy’s stated rationale.

    The FF(X) Program: Where It Came From

    Former Navy Secretary John Phelan cancelled the Constellation-class frigate program in late 2025 after years of cost growth, schedule delays, and design instability at the lead shipbuilder, Fincantieri Marinette Marine. The Constellation program had been planned for up to 20 frigates and was supposed to be the Navy’s primary small surface combatant for the coming decades.

    In December 2025, then-Secretary Phelan announced the Navy would instead pursue a new frigate — the FF(X) — based on Ingalls’ Legend-class National Security Cutter, a ship already in production and with a known cost and schedule baseline. The first FF(X) is targeted to deliver to the Navy by June 2030.

    The April 28 contract is the first major programmatic action since that December announcement. Steel is now being prepared. The FF(X) is no longer a policy decision — it’s a shipbuilding program.

    What This Means for Naval Station Everett’s Homeport Bid

    When the Constellation program was cancelled, NAVSTA Everett lost its 2021 homeport designation. That designation had named Everett as the homeport for the initial 12 Constellation-class frigates — a commitment worth an estimated $340 million in annual economic activity according to the Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

    The cancellation didn’t kill Everett’s claim — it reset the competition. Snohomish County officials, the Everett delegation, and Rep. Rick Larsen’s office have been actively lobbying the Navy to designate NAVSTA Everett as the FF(X) homeport. The arguments for Everett are strong: an existing frigate-capable pier, an established Navy community with schools, housing, and support infrastructure, and a congressional delegation that has consistently funded Pacific Fleet force structure.

    What the April 28 contract does is start the clock in a new way. With steel being cut and a June 2030 delivery target, the Navy will need to make a homeport decision well before the first ship is commissioned. That decision-making process is now accelerating whether or not an official announcement has been made.

    The full background on NAVSTA Everett’s homeport campaign is covered in this site’s earlier reporting: The FF(X) Frigate and Naval Station Everett: The Complete 2026 Guide and The Snohomish County $340M Frigate Fight.

    The Strategic Picture: Why Everett Still Has the Strongest Case

    Naval Station Everett is home to the Navy’s only Pacific Northwest deepwater homeport. It currently homeports USS Carl Vinson (aircraft carrier), USS Abraham Lincoln (aircraft carrier in rotation), surface combatants, and support vessels. The base has existing frigate pier infrastructure, a Fleet and Family Support Center, commissary, schools, and housing — the full military community infrastructure that a frigate crew requires.

    NAVSTA Everett also benefits from its position within the broader Pacific Fleet posture. The Indo-Pacific is the primary strategic theater for the next generation of U.S. naval forces, and Puget Sound is the Pacific Fleet’s primary West Coast hub. A new frigate class based on a ship already operating in Pacific Fleet service fits naturally into that framework.

    None of that guarantees the homeport — the Navy’s internal process will weigh operational requirements, infrastructure costs, and force structure planning. But the April 28 contract means Everett’s advocates now have a specific, contracted program to point to when making their case to the Pentagon.

    Timeline and What to Watch

    • April 28, 2026: $282.9M Ingalls lead yard support contract awarded
    • Through April 2028: Pre-construction activities, material securing, design finalization
    • June 2030 target: First FF(X) delivery to the Navy
    • Before 2030: Homeport decision expected — no official date announced

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the FF(X) frigate?
    The FF(X) is the U.S. Navy’s new small surface combatant, replacing the cancelled Constellation-class. It is based on the Ingalls-built Legend-class National Security Cutter. The lead ship is targeted for delivery by June 2030.

    What did the April 28, 2026 contract authorize?
    A $282.9 million lead yard support contract. The first $80.6 million activates immediately, authorizing Ingalls to begin cutting and shaping steel for the main structural foundation and finalizing design details. The contract runs through April 2028.

    Was Naval Station Everett designated as the FF(X) homeport?
    Not yet. NAVSTA Everett was the designated homeport for the cancelled Constellation-class. The FF(X) homeport has not been decided. Snohomish County and NAVSTA Everett are actively lobbying for that designation.

    What is the economic value of the homeport bid?
    Snohomish County officials have cited approximately $340 million in annual economic impact from NAVSTA Everett’s current operations. A frigate homeport designation would add to that baseline.

    When will the Navy decide where to homeport the FF(X)?
    No official timeline. The first ship delivers in June 2030, so a decision will likely come before that date.

    How many FF(X) frigates will be built?
    No final production number has been announced. The program’s size will be determined through the shipbuilding budget process.

    Who is building the FF(X)?
    HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The contract was a direct award, not competed, because Ingalls built the National Security Cutter on which the FF(X) is based.

  • North Mason Levy Failure: Impact on Property Values

    North Mason Levy Failure: Impact on Property Values

    If you own property in North Mason — in Belfair, Allyn, Tahuya, Union, or anywhere else in the district boundaries — Tuesday’s levy result affects both your tax bill and the value of what you own.

    The North Mason School District’s April 28 replacement levy is trailing in initial counts: 46.2% yes against 53.8% no, per the Mason County Auditor’s Office. That’s a third consecutive defeat — February 2025, November 2025, and now April 2026 — for a district that has been warning about program cuts with increasing urgency at each cycle.

    The Tax Question

    The April 28 levy asked for $18.9 million over four years at approximately $1.01 per $1,000 of assessed property value. On a home assessed at $400,000 in North Mason, that’s roughly $404 per year — about $33.67 per month.

    If the levy fails, you don’t pay that amount. That’s the short-term math many no votes were making.

    The longer-term math is more complicated. Research on school quality and real estate values is consistent: communities with strong, funded school programs sustain higher property values. Districts where programs are cut — especially visible programs like athletics and music — often see changes in who chooses to live there, how long families stay, and what buyers are willing to pay. In a market like North Mason’s, where the SR-3 corridor is seeing commercial investment and the PUD electrical infrastructure is being upgraded for growth, school quality is a factor in the community’s trajectory.

    What Fails if the Levy Fails

    The district is required to adopt a balanced budget. Without levy revenue, programs that are not state-funded must be cut. The explicitly at-risk list: middle and high school athletics, music programs, elective and Advanced Placement courses, school security officers, and after-school programming.

    The district has already made $1.3 million in internal cuts — including eliminating two administrative positions — to demonstrate fiscal discipline before asking voters again. That means there is no remaining administrative buffer to absorb another defeat. The cuts, if they come, will be visible and program-level.

    The Certification Timeline

    Election night results are not final. The Mason County Auditor will count remaining ballots over the coming weeks before certifying the outcome. If the levy is ultimately certified as defeated, the district board will need to authorize cuts before the 2026–27 school year budget is adopted — a process that will happen this summer.

    North Mason property owners who want to track results can follow the Mason County Auditor at masoncountywa.gov and the district at northmasonschools.org.

    For the full election results story and program impact details, read the Belfair Bugle’s levy coverage. For context on property values in the broader North Mason market, see Belfair real estate in 2026.

    Frequently Asked Questions for North Mason Property Owners

    What was the property tax cost of the North Mason April 2026 levy?

    Approximately $1.01 per $1,000 of assessed property value per year — roughly $404/year on a $400,000 home, or about $33.67/month.

    Does a failed school levy affect property values in North Mason?

    Research consistently shows school program quality affects residential desirability and property values over time. Visible program cuts — particularly to athletics, music, and AP courses — can influence which families choose to buy in a community and for how long they stay.

    Will property taxes go down if the levy fails?

    The levy would have added approximately $1.01/$1,000 assessed value to your bill. If it fails, that specific addition is not collected. However, other property tax levies and district assessments are not affected by this vote.

    Can North Mason pass another levy if this one fails?

    Yes, but Washington state law restricts timing and frequency of levy elections. The board would need to evaluate legal windows for a future measure. Three consecutive defeats make the political path harder, though not impossible.

  • North Mason School District Replacement Levy: Passed Election Results, Tax Rates & 2026–2027 School Programs

    North Mason School District Replacement Levy: Passed Election Results, Tax Rates & 2026–2027 School Programs

    Updated Nov 2, 2026 — refreshed with certified election results, authorized collection schedule, and 2026–2027 program allocations.

    North Mason SD 403 Levy Master Factsheet

    • School District: North Mason School District No. 403 (Belfair, WA)
    • Ballot Measure: Replacement Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy (April 28, 2026 Special Election)
    • Election Outcome: Approved — Officially certified at 55.04% Yes by the Mason County Canvassing Board (2,656 Yes vs. 2,170 No votes) and 53.61% Yes district-wide
    • Authorized Collections: $5.45M (2025), $5.75M (2026), and $6.05M (2027)
    • Estimated Tax Rate: ~$1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation
    • Impacted Schools: North Mason High School, Hawkins Middle School, Belfair Elementary, Sand Hill Elementary, James A. Taylor High School

    The votes have been counted and certified, and the community has delivered a decisive verdict: North Mason School District’s April 28 replacement Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) levy officially passed and was certified by the Mason County Canvassing Board with a 55.04% voter majority in Mason County (2,656 Yes votes to 2,170 No votes) and a 53.61% district-wide approval margin. The certified victory halts a painful multi-year funding crisis, following previous defeats in February 2025 and November 2025.

    For Belfair families, North Mason parents, and students across North Mason High School, Hawkins Middle School, and neighborhood elementary campuses, the community’s approval restores vital educational stability. With replacement levy funding certified and locked in, critical programs that hung on the chopping block — athletics, music, arts, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, campus security officers, nurses, and after-school programming — are fully funded and operational for the active 2026–2027 school year.

    What This Passed Levy Authorizes: Funding & Tax Rates

    The approved measure authorizes a three-year collection schedule totaling $17.25 million: $5.45 million in 2025, $5.75 million in 2026, and $6.05 million in 2027. The estimated tax rate is approximately $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation — a stabilized rate that replaces an expiring levy without escalating statutory local tax burdens.

    The district entered 2026 operating under strict fiscal discipline. Following 2025’s defeats, administrators enacted $1.3 million in internal budget reductions, including the elimination of two administrative positions, demonstrating operational accountability before presenting this restructured compromise measure to district voters.

    What the Passed Levy Funds: 2026–2027 Program Allocations

    Washington state funds basic education. Local EP&O replacement levies fund the rest — the personnel, extracurricular opportunities, and safety resources that make public schools supportive communities. In North Mason School District No. 403, the passed replacement levy guarantees funding across four essential program areas for the 2026–2027 school year:

    • Staffing & Operations Gaps: Fills unfunded state personnel gaps for certificated classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, librarians, and custodial staff.
    • Extracurriculars & Athletics: Preserves middle and high school athletics (Bulldogs football, soccer, basketball, track & field, volleyball), band, choir, drama, robotics, and after-school student clubs.
    • Student Safety & Health: Sustains full-time on-site registered school nurses, mental health and behavioral counselors, and campus safety monitors.
    • Technology & Transportation: Maintains 1:1 student Chromebook lifecycle upgrades, classroom instructional technology, and vital rural bus transit routes serving Belfair and outlying communities.

    These are not luxury extras. For students at North Mason High, athletics and electives provide daily motivation and college readiness. For families weighing whether to settle in Belfair, Allyn, or Grapeview — especially civilian and military personnel connected to PSNS and Bangor Naval Base — school program quality directly influences community retention.

    Breaking the Defeat Pattern: How the Compromise Ask Won Voter Approval

    February 2025: levy defeated. November 2025: levy defeated with a larger ask. April 2026: North Mason School District leadership engaged community feedback, restructured the ballot measure, and passed it with 55.04% of the certified Mason County vote.

    The April 28 proposal reduced the total ask by $3.4 million compared to the November proposal, locking in the stabilized ~$1.50 per $1,000 assessed valuation rate. By pairing administrative reductions with an equitable rate structure, the district successfully rebuilt community trust at the ballot box.

    Certified Implementation & 2026–2027 School Year Rollout

    The Mason County Canvassing Board officially certified election results on May 8, 2026. Because voters approved the replacement levy, North Mason School District adopted a fully balanced operating budget for the 2026–2027 school year without enacting catastrophic program or personnel eliminations. Tax collections follow the approved multi-year statutory schedule.

    For updates, follow North Mason School District directly at northmasonschools.org and on Facebook at North Mason School District. The Mason County Auditor’s Office posts official election documentation at masoncountywa.gov.

    For context on the Belfair community’s broader development and housing picture — factors that shape who votes and who stays in North Mason — see our coverage of Belfair real estate in 2026 and how military families at PSNS weigh North Mason housing.

    Mason County Property Tax Relief & Senior Exemptions (RCW 84.36.381)

    Qualifying North Mason homeowners can access substantial property tax relief under Washington State law (RCW 84.36.381). The program provides property tax exemptions or deferrals for qualifying senior citizens (age 61 and older) and persons retired due to disability, based on county median household income thresholds administered by the Mason County Assessor:

    • Income Threshold 1 (IT1) — Up to $53,000: Exempts all excess property taxes (including this school replacement levy) and exempts local regular taxes on the greater of $80,000 or 80% of assessed valuation.
    • Income Threshold 2 (IT2) — Up to $61,000: Exempts all excess property taxes and exempts local regular taxes on the greater of $70,000 or 45% of assessed valuation (up to a $200,000 maximum).
    • Income Threshold 3 (IT3) — Up to $70,000: Exempts all local voter-approved excess property taxes, providing direct relief from the North Mason replacement EP&O levy.
    • Senior/Disabled Deferral Threshold: Homeowners with combined disposable income up to $78,411 may apply to defer payment of up to 80% of property taxes.

    Applicants must own and occupy the property as their primary residence for more than six months of the calendar year and submit verification of combined disposable income to the Mason County Assessor’s Office.

    Related Mason County Civic & Infrastructure Guides

    Civic Verification & Public Contacts

    Official voter, tax assessment, and school district records can be verified through local administrative offices:

    • School District Administration: North Mason School District No. 403, 250 E Campus Dr, Belfair, WA 98528 | Phone: (360) 277-2300 | Website: northmasonschools.org
    • Elections Office: Mason County Auditor, 411 N 5th St, Shelton, WA 98584 | Phone: (360) 427-9670 ext. 470 | Elections Portal: masoncountywa.gov
    • Tax Assessment Office: Mason County Assessor, 411 N 5th St, Shelton, WA 98584 | Phone: (360) 427-9670 ext. 449

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Did the North Mason replacement levy pass on April 28, 2026?

    Yes. The North Mason School District replacement EP&O levy was officially certified by the Mason County Canvassing Board on May 8, 2026, passing with 55.04% of the vote in Mason County (2,656 Yes to 2,170 No) and 53.61% district-wide approval.

    What school programs does the passed North Mason levy fund?

    The levy provides essential funding for athletics, band, choir, art, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, registered school nurses, mental health counselors, school safety monitors, 1:1 Chromebooks, and rural bus routes for the active 2026–2027 school year.

    How much is the approved North Mason replacement levy?

    The levy authorizes collections of $5.45 million in 2025, $5.75 million in 2026, and $6.05 million in 2027, at an estimated tax rate of ~$1.50 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation.

    Are senior citizens exempt from the North Mason school levy?

    Qualifying Mason County senior citizens (age 61+) and disabled homeowners with combined disposable income up to $70,000 (Income Threshold 3) are fully exempt from local excess levies under RCW 84.36.381 through the Mason County Assessor’s Office.

  • Mason County PUD 1 Electric Bill: 2026 Rates Explained

    Mason County PUD 1 Electric Bill: 2026 Rates Explained

    If you are a Mason County PUD No. 1 customer and your April electric bill looked a little higher than usual, you are not imagining it. New rates took effect April 1, 2026 — and while the increase is real, the district worked to keep it smaller than it was originally authorized to charge.

    What Changed on Your Bill

    The two line items that shifted for residential customers:

    • Basic monthly charge: $45.86 → $47.26 (an increase of $1.40/month)
    • Energy rate: $0.09670 → $0.09960 per kilowatt-hour

    The net effect on a typical residential bill is approximately 3.0%. On a household using 800 kWh per month — a reasonable average for a Mason County home — that works out to about $2.65 more per month, or roughly $32 over a full year. Households that run electric heat, well pumps, or other high-draw equipment will see more, proportionally.

    Why Did Rates Go Up?

    Mason County PUD 1 does not generate its own electricity. Like most public utility districts in Washington State, it purchases wholesale power from the Bonneville Power Administration — the federal agency that markets hydropower from dams on the Columbia River system. In 2026, BPA raised its power rate by 6% and its transmission rate by 11.7%. Those are the costs PUD 1 pays before it can deliver a single kilowatt-hour to your meter.

    Utilities that buy from BPA must pass at least some of those cost increases on to customers. What distinguishes Mason County PUD 1’s response is how it managed the local portion: the district’s board had authorized a larger increase, but staff secured a federal emergency management grant that offset a portion of the cost. The result was a 3.0% customer-facing increase rather than the full authorized amount. The difference doesn’t show up as a line item on your bill, but it’s there in what you’re not paying.

    Is PUD 1 Expensive Compared to Other Options?

    For Mason County residents, PUD 1’s rates remain on the more affordable end of Pacific Northwest electric utilities. Washington State’s mix of hydroelectric power — delivered through BPA — keeps rates across the region lower than the national average, and public utility districts like PUD 1 operate without the shareholder profit requirements of investor-owned utilities. The 3.0% increase reflects external cost pressure from BPA, not district expansion of overhead.

    The Water System Work You May Not Have Noticed

    While rate changes tend to get attention, PUD 1 also wrapped two significant infrastructure projects this spring. The Manzanita Water Storage Project — a $4.6 million construction effort — and the Arcadia Estates water system upgrade both reached completion around the April 14, 2026 board meeting. If you are in one of those rural service areas along the Hood Canal south shore, more reliable water service is the practical result.

    The district also submitted a $5.6 million Congressionally Directed Spending request for the next phase of rural water improvements. If funded, it would extend that infrastructure cycle without requiring a new rate action.

    Questions About Your PUD 1 Bill

    PUD 1 customer service can be reached at (360) 426-8255, or you can visit the district office at 21971 N. Highway 101, Shelton, WA 98584. If your bill looks significantly higher than the 3.0% increase would explain, it’s worth checking whether there has been a usage change at your property — a new appliance, a water heater cycling more in cold weather, or a seasonal shift in how your home is heated.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When did PUD 1 rates increase in 2026?

    Mason County PUD No. 1 electric rates increased effective April 1, 2026. The basic monthly charge rose from $45.86 to $47.26, and the energy rate increased from $0.09670 to $0.09960 per kWh — an overall 3.0% increase on a typical residential bill.

    Why is the BPA rate increase higher than what I’m seeing on my PUD 1 bill?

    BPA raised its rates 6% (power) and 11.7% (transmission) for 2026, but PUD 1 offset some of the local impact by securing a federal emergency management grant. The result was a 3.0% customer-facing increase rather than the full amount the board had authorized. PUD 1 absorbed the difference through that grant funding.

    How much more will I pay per year?

    At 800 kWh per month, the increase is approximately $2.65/month or about $32/year. Higher-usage households will see more. A home using 1,200 kWh/month would see roughly $4 more per month, or about $48 annually.

    Does the water infrastructure work affect electric rates?

    No — PUD 1’s water system and electric system have separate rate structures. The Manzanita and Arcadia Estates water project completions are funded through water system capital budgets, not electric rates. The April 1 electric rate change is driven entirely by BPA wholesale power cost increases.

    How do I read my PUD 1 bill?

    Your PUD 1 bill shows a fixed basic charge (now $47.26/month) plus a variable energy charge based on kWh used (now $0.09960/kWh). Add the two together plus any applicable taxes or fees to get your total. If you are on a water system, that shows as a separate line. Contact PUD 1 at (360) 426-8255 if you have questions about specific charges.

    For the full story on PUD 1’s infrastructure projects and how the rate was kept below authorized levels, see Mason County PUD 1 Wraps Major Water Projects, New Rates Take Effect April 1. For Mason County property owners with questions about infrastructure and taxes, see Mason County Property Tax Deadline April 30, 2026: Payment Options and What Happens If You’re Late.