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Tag: Local Government

  • Everett’s $10.6M Stadium Design Vote Is an Interfund Loan — Here’s What That Actually Means

    Everett’s $10.6M Stadium Design Vote Is an Interfund Loan — Here’s What That Actually Means

    The line that has received the least attention in coverage of Everett’s April 29 stadium funding vote is also the line that matters most for anyone trying to understand how the city’s general fund works: the money would come as an interfund loan from the general fund balance, not from new outside financing. For residents trying to square the stadium conversation with the $14 million 2027 budget gap the city has been publicly discussing, this is the detail that connects them.

    Here is a plain-language walk-through of what an interfund loan is, what the Outdoor Event Center is asking for on April 29, and why the mechanism matters for the next 18 months of Everett’s budget conversation.

    Quick answer: On April 29, 2026, the Everett City Council will vote on a $10.6 million funding request for downtown stadium design and property acquisition. The money would be transferred as an interfund loan from the city’s general fund balance and repaid from a future stadium bond measure. The city has already spent about $7.2 million on the project, and total projected stadium cost has risen from $82 million in June 2025 to $120 million as of January 2026. Three teams — the Everett AquaSox plus men’s and women’s USL clubs — have committed $17 million upfront and roughly $100 million in 30-year lease payments.

    What an Interfund Loan Is

    Most residents have a mental model of how cities pay for things: taxes come in, they get spent, bonds get issued for capital projects, grants cover specific line items. An interfund loan is a fifth mechanism that does not show up as often in public conversation.

    An interfund loan moves money between accounts the city already owns. In Everett’s case, the city has a general fund — the main checking account that pays for police, fire, parks, and general government — and several special-purpose funds dedicated to projects like capital construction, utilities, and stormwater. When the council authorizes an interfund loan, it moves cash from one of those funds (here, the general fund balance) to another (here, the stadium project fund) with the expectation that it will be paid back from a specific future source.

    What the money is not: it is not a new grant, a new tax, or money the city is borrowing from the public bond market right now. It is existing city cash being lent from one pocket to another.

    What makes the mechanism appropriate in this case, according to the administration’s framing, is that the stadium project will eventually issue a general obligation bond of more than $40 million to fund construction. The interfund loan bridges the gap between today’s design work and the point at which the bond gets issued. When the bond sells, the general fund gets paid back.

    What the $10.6M Actually Funds

    The April 29 request covers two activities:

    Stadium design completion. The stadium — formally the Outdoor Event Center — still requires a completed design package before it can move to construction bidding. The design package translates the 5,000-seat concept, the artificial turf field, the clubhouse that doubles as event space, and the walking perimeter into construction documents detailed enough to price and build.

    Property acquisition. The site requires 15 parcels. Consultant reports shared with the council indicate the city has signed purchase agreements on two parcels, has pending agreements on four more, and is in active negotiations with the owners of eight others. None of the purchases close unless the full stadium project moves forward, but the April 29 funding keeps the negotiation and signed-agreement work moving.

    The main entrance to the completed facility is planned at Wall Street and Broadway.

    What the City Has Spent So Far

    The city has already spent about $7.2 million in capital funds on the stadium project. Adding the $10.6 million request would bring cumulative city spending to approximately $17.8 million before any construction begins.

    Sports-team commitments partially offset that figure. The three teams that plan to call the stadium home — the Everett AquaSox, plus the men’s and women’s United Soccer League franchises — have committed $17 million upfront, with roughly $100 million in 30-year lease payments promised afterward. Teams would handle day-to-day operations. Under the lease terms, the city would need to staff only one employee to oversee stadium operations, a point Mayor Cassie Franklin has highlighted as a lean-operation advantage.

    The city also has other funding sources stacked up:

    • $7.4 million from the state youth athletic fields fund
    • $5 million from Snohomish County phased across 2027 through 2030
    • A planned bond of more than $40 million

    Those sources together leave what consultant Ben Franz described during a recent briefing as approximately a $25 million funding gap relative to the current $120 million projection. Franz framed the city’s strategy this way: “The more upfront capital we’re able to secure, the less debt the city has to issue.”

    Why the Cost Has Moved from $82M to $120M

    When the city first brought a $4.8 million stadium funding measure to council in June 2025, the total project was estimated at $82 million. By January 2026, that figure had climbed to $120 million — a 46% increase over roughly seven months.

    Construction escalation in the Puget Sound region is the usual driver for a jump like that. Labor, steel, and concrete costs have all moved. Design refinements also play a role: as architects translate concept to documents, elements like seating configurations, accessibility requirements, and infrastructure tie-ins often expand the scope. A third factor specific to Everett is that the stadium is on a constrained urban site, not a suburban greenfield, which drives costs for things like utility relocation and site preparation.

    The opening date has slipped from April 2027 to late 2027, with construction now planned to start in September.

    Why the General Fund Connection Matters

    Here is where the interfund loan intersects with the rest of Everett’s civic conversation.

    The city is projecting a $14 million general fund deficit in 2027 and has been publicly evaluating four levers to close it: a regional fire authority, regional library services, another levy lid lift, or annexation of Mariner. Three of those require a public vote.

    An interfund loan from the general fund balance is different from a cut to the general fund. The loan gets repaid when the bond issues. But the balance is temporarily lower while the loan is outstanding, and general fund reserves are also what the city relies on to absorb mid-year surprises. A loan of $10.6 million is meaningful relative to a fund balance that, in most recent audited statements, operates in the low tens of millions.

    This is why the April 29 vote is not just a stadium vote — it is also a budget vote. Council members considering it are implicitly deciding how much short-term general fund flexibility they are willing to trade for keeping the stadium design schedule on track for a late-2027 opening.

    What Happens If the Vote Fails

    If the council declines the $10.6 million request, the design work cannot be completed on schedule, and property acquisition negotiations stall. The project does not die outright — the city would have to return to council with an alternative financing approach — but the late-2027 opening window would be at risk, and the teams that have committed $17 million upfront and roughly $100 million in long-term lease revenue would need to evaluate their position.

    If it passes, the city continues design work, keeps property acquisition conversations live, and heads toward the stadium bond issuance that repays the interfund loan.

    How to Watch the April 29 Vote

    The Everett City Council meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Everett City Hall, 3002 Wetmore Ave. The April 29 agenda will be posted to the Agenda Center at everettwa.gov/AgendaCenter/City-Council-10. Meetings are livestreamed and archived; residents can also attend in person or submit public comment.

    For residents tracking the stadium conversation alongside the broader budget picture, the interfund loan is the place where the two stories meet.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Everett City Council voting on April 29, 2026?

    A $10.6 million funding request to complete design of the downtown Outdoor Event Center (the AquaSox/USL stadium) and continue property acquisition on the 15-parcel site. The money would come as an interfund loan from the general fund balance, repaid from a future stadium bond.

    What is an interfund loan?

    A transfer of cash from one city fund to another, with a planned repayment from a specific future source. It is not a tax, grant, or public bond — it is existing city money moving between accounts.

    How much has Everett already spent on the stadium?

    About $7.2 million in capital funds so far. If the $10.6 million request passes, cumulative city spending reaches approximately $17.8 million before any construction starts.

    What is the total projected stadium cost?

    $120 million as of January 2026, up from $82 million in June 2025. Teams have committed $17 million upfront and roughly $100 million in 30-year lease payments. Other funding sources include $7.4 million from the state youth athletic fields fund, $5 million from Snohomish County, and a planned bond of more than $40 million.

    How does the interfund loan affect the general fund?

    The loan temporarily reduces the general fund balance by $10.6 million until the stadium bond is issued and the money is repaid. That is relevant because the city is also projecting a $14 million 2027 general fund deficit and evaluating options including a regional fire authority, library regionalization, a levy lid lift, or annexation.

    When does the stadium open?

    The target has moved from April 2027 to late 2027. Construction is planned to begin in September 2026. The facility is projected to draw 400,000 regional visitors annually.

    Who uses the stadium?

    The Everett AquaSox baseball team, a men’s United Soccer League team, and a women’s United Soccer League team. The teams will handle day-to-day operations, and the lease includes 50 guaranteed public-access days each year.

    How can residents weigh in?

    Attend the April 29 City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers (3002 Wetmore Ave.), submit written comment through the City Clerk, or watch the livestream archived through the city’s Agenda Center.

  • Mayor Franklin’s 2026 State of the City: Five Priorities Now Shaping Everett

    Mayor Franklin’s 2026 State of the City: Five Priorities Now Shaping Everett

    When Mayor Cassie Franklin took the stage at Angel of the Winds Arena on March 5, 2026, for her ninth annual State of the City address, she framed the year ahead around a single idea: “One Everett.” Seattle Seahawks tackle and Archbishop Murphy alumnus Abe Lucas opened the speech. What followed was a mix of economic confidence, candid acknowledgment of the budget pressure the city is navigating, and a concrete list of initiatives residents can expect to see on the ground in 2026.

    Seven weeks later, several of those initiatives are already moving through City Hall — some toward the council for a vote, others into the permitting pipeline or grant applications. Here is a plain-language breakdown of the five priorities Mayor Franklin laid out, what has happened since, and what each one means for Everett residents.

    Quick answer: Mayor Franklin’s 2026 State of the City address laid out five priorities: long-term sustainable revenue to protect core services, public safety investments in policing and fire response, housing actions including pre-approved backyard cottage plans, a park-upgrade wave at Edgewater, Garfield, and Eclipse Mill, and district-by-district community engagement. The Outdoor Event Center and FIFA World Cup watch parties at Boxcar Park were framed as anchor economic drivers for the year.

    Priority 1: Long-Term Sustainable Revenue

    The revenue priority is the one doing the most work behind the scenes. Franklin told the audience the city needs to “pursue continued economic growth and new pathways to long-term, sustainable revenue to protect core services.” That sentence sounds like standard political language, but it maps directly to the $14 million projected 2027 budget deficit the Finance Department has been discussing publicly since earlier this spring.

    What it means in practice: the city is actively evaluating four levers — forming a regional fire authority, regionalizing library services through a partnership with Sno-Isle, running another levy lid lift past voters, and continuing the annexation evaluation for Mariner. Three of the four require a public vote. The Mayor’s Office has not endorsed a specific path yet; the April 8 council vote that approved $200,000 for a Mariner annexation study and $50,000 for a Casino Road subarea plan was the first real money the city has put behind any of these options.

    For residents, this priority matters because it is the frame every other budget decision will sit inside for the next 18 months. Core services — police, fire, parks, libraries — are what the revenue conversation is designed to protect. How Everett decides to pay for them is the open question.

    Priority 2: Strategic, Community-Focused Public Safety

    Public safety had three sub-priorities in the address: strategic, community-focused policing, fire response capacity investments, and alternative crisis response programs. Each one is tied to staff the city has already hired or programs already running.

    On policing, Chief Robert Goetz — sworn in on January 7, 2026 — has been public about his goal of closing the EPD vacancy gap. Goetz told reporters in January the department was “down to 14, maybe 13 vacancies at this point” and said he hopes to push that number into single digits in 2026. The department promoted eight officers to sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief in the two weeks before he was sworn in. Goetz’s stated approach — “I want our officers to get out of the car and visit with our community members because they’re the ones who are providing us with the feedback that we need to be the best police department that we can be” — is what the Mayor’s “strategic, community-focused” language points to.

    On fire response, the city is simultaneously evaluating whether to join a regional fire authority, which would restructure how fire service is funded and delivered. That decision is part of the revenue conversation above.

    On alternative crisis response, the Mayor’s Office has pointed to existing programs pairing behavioral health responders with police, though the address did not announce a new program. The expansion language was more about protecting what already exists through the budget cycle.

    Public safety also intersects with Mayoral Directive 2026-01, signed by Franklin on February 25, 2026. The directive restricts federal immigration agents from accessing non-public areas of city buildings without a judicial warrant, requires Everett police to record interactions at the scene of any immigration enforcement activity they are called to, and reaffirms compliance with the Keep Washington Working Act. The directive was not new policy announced at the State of the City; it is already in effect. But it establishes the guardrails the city will operate inside during 2026.

    Priority 3: Housing — Backyard Cottages and a New Boys and Girls Club

    The most concrete housing announcement was pre-approved backyard cottage plans designed to streamline the permitting process for accessory dwelling units. Pre-approved plans mean that homeowners who use one of the city’s templates can move through permitting faster than if they brought in custom drawings — reducing design costs and review time. The goal is to make ADUs a realistic option for more Everett households.

    Franklin also announced a new Boys and Girls Club at Walter E. Hall Park in Council District 4. That project is a partnership rather than a city-led build, but the site selection and the framing matter: Walter E. Hall Park sits south of the airport in an area the city has identified for family-focused investment.

    Neither the backyard cottage plans nor the Boys and Girls Club is solving housing affordability on their own. They are part of what the administration describes as a supply-side strategy — add more units, reduce friction in the permit process, add more third-place community infrastructure — while the broader Puget Sound housing market works itself out.

    Priority 4: Park Upgrades at Edgewater, Garfield, and Eclipse Mill

    Three parks are getting meaningful work in 2026.

    Edgewater Park sits next to the Edgewater Bridge, which reopens April 28 after an 18-month closure and $34.9 million replacement. The park work is the natural companion to the bridge: new access, improved landings, and waterfront enhancements that make the reopened crossing feel connected to something on the west side.

    Garfield Park in the Riverside neighborhood is getting a major makeover that has been in public-engagement phase with neighbors for months. Exact scope depends on the final design package, but residents have already weighed in on the direction.

    Eclipse Mill Park on the riverfront is the long-timeline project. City staff confirmed earlier this spring that Eclipse Mill is now targeting a spring 2028 opening — later than initial hopes but reflecting both design complexity and funding sequencing. Eclipse Mill is designed to be Everett’s signature riverfront park when it eventually opens.

    Parks are also a quiet revenue story: well-maintained, high-quality parks are one of the more reliable drivers of residential property values, which in turn affect the city’s assessed value and long-term property tax base.

    Priority 5: District-by-District Community Engagement

    The final priority was the least flashy but the most interesting from a civic-engagement standpoint. Franklin announced that community meetings would be scheduled in each City Council district, following the success of the District 2 town hall. For residents, that means the Mayor’s Office is committing to show up in neighborhoods rather than only hosting conversations at City Hall.

    The significance is partly operational — getting seven districts worth of face-to-face feedback in one year is a real lift — and partly political. Three of the four budget levers on the table for 2027 require a public vote. An administration that has already sat down with voters in their neighborhoods has a better shot at explaining those ballot questions when they come up.

    The Economic Anchors: Outdoor Event Center and FIFA 2026

    Woven through the speech were two economic anchors. The Outdoor Event Center — the downtown stadium project that hosts Everett AquaSox baseball, United Soccer League men’s and women’s teams, and community events — is projected to draw 400,000 regional visitors annually once it opens in late 2027. Property acquisition is in negotiation, and a $10.6 million design funding request goes to council on April 29.

    The FIFA World Cup watch parties at Boxcar Park on June 11, 12, 18, and 19 are the shorter-term bet: a free, public fan zone in the waterfront district designed to bring people into Everett during the biggest sporting event of the summer.

    How to Track Progress on These Priorities

    Every initiative Franklin announced has a paper trail. City Council agendas and minutes are posted at everettwa.gov/AgendaCenter/City-Council-10, and the council meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. except fourth and fifth Wednesdays, which meet at 12:30 p.m. Mayoral directives are archived at everettwa.gov/1789/Mayoral-Directives. Budget documents and the 2027 budget discussion will run through the Finance Department in the fall.

    The shortest answer to “what is Everett working on in 2026?” is: revenue, public safety, housing, parks, and community engagement — with the stadium and World Cup as economic accelerators. The Mayor’s framing — “Everett’s progress is best measured by how people experience our city every day” — is the test the administration has set for itself.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When was Mayor Franklin’s 2026 State of the City address?

    Mayor Cassie Franklin delivered her ninth annual State of the City address on March 5, 2026. Seattle Seahawks tackle and Archbishop Murphy alumnus Abe Lucas opened the speech.

    What are Mayor Franklin’s five priorities for 2026?

    The address outlined five priorities: pursuing long-term sustainable revenue to protect core services, strategic and community-focused public safety, housing actions including pre-approved backyard cottage plans, park upgrades at Edgewater, Garfield, and Eclipse Mill, and district-by-district community engagement through town halls.

    What is Everett doing about the $14 million 2027 budget gap?

    Four levers are being evaluated: forming a regional fire authority, regionalizing library services with Sno-Isle Libraries, running another levy lid lift past voters, and continuing the annexation evaluation for Mariner. Three of the four require a public vote. The administration has not endorsed a single path.

    How many police vacancies does EPD have?

    Chief Robert Goetz said in January 2026 that the department was down to 13 or 14 vacancies and he hopes to push the number into single digits during 2026. Eight officers were promoted to supervisory roles in the two weeks before Goetz was sworn in on January 7, 2026.

    What is Mayoral Directive 2026-01?

    Signed by Mayor Franklin on February 25, 2026, the directive restricts federal immigration agents from accessing non-public areas of city buildings without a judicial warrant, requires Everett police to record interactions at the scene of immigration enforcement activity, and reaffirms compliance with Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act.

    When do the Edgewater, Garfield, and Eclipse Mill park projects open?

    The Edgewater Bridge adjacent to Edgewater Park reopens April 28, 2026. Garfield Park is in the design/public-engagement phase. Eclipse Mill Park is targeting a spring 2028 opening.

    What are the FIFA World Cup watch parties at Boxcar Park?

    Free, public fan zones hosted at Boxcar Park on the Everett waterfront on June 11, 12, 18, and 19, 2026, during the FIFA World Cup group stage and knockout matches.

    How can I attend a City Council district town hall?

    The Mayor’s Office will schedule community meetings in each City Council district throughout 2026. Details are posted to everettwa.gov and announced through the City’s news flash page at everettwa.gov/m/newsflash.

  • Volunteers of America Western Washington: The Everett Nonprofit Answering 315,000 Requests a Year

    Volunteers of America Western Washington: The Everett Nonprofit Answering 315,000 Requests a Year

    Quick answer: Volunteers of America Western Washington is headquartered in Everett at 2802 Broadway and operates one of the busiest food banks in Snohomish County along with Casino Road food pantries, the Carl Gipson Center for older adults, the Trailside ECEAP preschool, rapid rehousing, and a 24/7 crisis line. The organization responds to more than 315,000 requests for assistance a year, and its Everett food bank requires no documentation — you walk in, you get groceries, grocery-store style.

    Ask around Everett about where people in a hard month go for help, and the same name keeps coming up: VOA. Volunteers of America Western Washington has been part of the fabric of this city for decades, and most of the work they do quietly — housing people out of crisis, feeding families without asking questions, running a preschool for kids whose families can’t afford one, answering the phone at 3 a.m. for someone thinking about ending it.

    This is a local’s guide to what VOAWW actually does in Everett, where it does it, and how to find help or plug in.

    The Headquarters and What It Means Locally

    VOAWW’s administrative headquarters sits at 2802 Broadway in Everett, with the main phone line at (425) 259-3191. That’s the front door for everything else — if you don’t know which program you need, the team there can route you. The mailing address for donations or referrals is PO Box 839, Everett, WA 98206-0839.

    Everett being the operational home of a nonprofit of this size matters. According to VOAWW, the organization receives more than 315,000 requests for assistance a year — and a large share of that volume runs through Everett facilities, Everett staff, and Everett neighbors showing up for their neighbors.

    The Everett Food Bank: No Paperwork, Just Groceries

    The VOAWW Everett Food Bank operates out of 1230 Broadway, a few blocks north of headquarters. Two facts about this food bank are worth emphasizing because they shape who walks in:

    1. There is no eligibility check. You don’t prove income. You don’t bring documentation. You don’t explain your situation. You walk in. The official language on VOAWW’s materials is blunt about this: “There are no eligibility or documentation requirements to receive food.” That’s intentional — it’s designed to remove every barrier between “I’m running short this week” and “I have food on the table tonight.”

    2. It’s grocery-store style, not a handed-out bag. Guests walk through and select what they actually need, which matters more than it sounds. Dietary restrictions, cultural foods, allergies, what your kids will actually eat — those matter. A grocery-style model respects the dignity of the person shopping.

    Hours for groceries:

    • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    • Second and fourth Tuesday — 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    Donations of food are accepted Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The food bank phone number is (425) 259-3191 ext. 13014, and the email is food@voaww.org.

    Casino Road Food Pantries

    In addition to the Broadway food bank, VOAWW operates two Casino Road food pantries that put food distribution inside the neighborhood that needs it most. These are small, local, and hyper-predictable — the same days every month so families can plan:

    • The Village — 14 E Casino Rd, Everett, WA 98208. Second, fourth, and fifth Tuesdays, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Bible Baptist Church — 805 W Casino Rd, Everett, WA 98204. First and third Tuesdays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    Same no-documentation rule applies. This is one of those quiet things that makes Casino Road what it is — the neighborhood showing up for itself, with VOAWW as the backbone.

    The Carl Gipson Center: 50+ Community

    The Carl Gipson Center at 3025 Lombard Avenue is VOAWW’s membership-based community home for adults 50 and older, veterans, people with disabilities, immigrants, and underserved communities more broadly. The phone is (425) 818-2744.

    The Gipson Center is where Everett older adults go for classes, meals, social connection, and a consistent community hub. For many members, it’s the anchor point of their week. For Everett more broadly, it’s one of the most concrete answers to the question “where do older adults in this city find community?”

    Housing: Rapid Rehousing and Stability

    VOAWW’s housing programs span short-term rental assistance to long-term stabilization services. The practical version: if someone in Everett is at risk of losing housing, or has lost it, VOAWW is one of the first places to call. Short-term rental assistance helps people obtain housing quickly and stay housed. Longer-term case management connects families with the services they need to remain stable.

    This is the kind of program that doesn’t make headlines because its success looks like nothing happening — someone didn’t become homeless, because the help arrived in time.

    Early Learning: Trailside ECEAP Preschool

    VOAWW operates Trailside ECEAP at 1300b 100th Pl SE, Everett, as part of Washington’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program — free preschool for eligible families. The contact is (425) 212-2941.

    ECEAP is Washington’s answer to the research consensus that high-quality preschool changes educational trajectories, especially for kids from lower-income families. Trailside is one of the local versions of that answer, and it’s serving Everett families who would otherwise not have access to preschool at all.

    Disability Services and Crisis Support

    Two more VOAWW programs worth naming because Everett residents call them often:

    Supported Living — In partnership with Washington State DSHS, this program helps adults with developmental disabilities live in their own homes in the community with the right support. That’s independence without isolation, which is an unusual and valuable thing to offer.

    Crisis Services — VOAWW provides 24/7 crisis support for people considering suicide and for people who want to help someone else get care. This program is one of the regional anchors for behavioral health crisis response.

    How to Help

    If you want to plug in locally, there are four front doors:

    Donate food. The Broadway food bank accepts donations Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Non-perishables, fresh produce, and culturally relevant foods are all welcome — Casino Road serves large Latino and Southeast Asian communities, and food that reflects that makes a difference.

    Volunteer. The Everett Community Food Bank regularly needs volunteers to stock shelves, welcome guests, and help run distribution. Start at volunteer.voaww.org.

    Donate money. Every program listed above runs partly on public contracts and partly on private donations. Recurring monthly giving is the single highest-leverage way to help because it stabilizes staffing.

    Refer someone. The easiest help to give is knowing the 2802 Broadway phone number — (425) 259-3191 — and passing it to a neighbor, coworker, or family member who could use it. VOAWW will triage and route.

    The Through-Line

    The reason VOAWW shows up in conversations about every Everett issue — housing, hunger, older adults, early learning, mental health, disability — is that the organization built its footprint to address the full stack of what actually makes a city work for its most vulnerable residents. You can’t fix housing without food security. You can’t fix food security without early learning. You can’t fix early learning without behavioral health. VOAWW treats those as one problem, which is the whole point.

    Everett is the headquarters for a reason.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is the Volunteers of America Everett Food Bank?
    At 1230 Broadway in Everett. It is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    Do I need to prove income or bring documents to get food?
    No. VOAWW’s Everett food bank and Casino Road food pantries have no eligibility or documentation requirements. You walk in and you are served.

    Where are the Casino Road food pantries?
    The Village at 14 E Casino Rd (second, fourth, and fifth Tuesdays, 2–5 p.m.) and Bible Baptist Church at 805 W Casino Rd (first and third Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m.).

    What is the Carl Gipson Center?
    A membership-based community center at 3025 Lombard Avenue in Everett serving adults 50 and older, veterans, people with disabilities, and other community members. The phone is (425) 818-2744.

    How do I reach VOAWW’s main office in Everett?
    Call (425) 259-3191 or visit 2802 Broadway. The mailing address is PO Box 839, Everett, WA 98206-0839.

    How can I volunteer or donate?
    Volunteer sign-ups are at volunteer.voaww.org. Food donations are accepted at the Broadway food bank Monday–Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monetary donations can be made through voaww.org.

    Does VOAWW run a preschool in Everett?
    Yes — Trailside ECEAP at 1300b 100th Pl SE, Everett, part of Washington’s free Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program. Contact: (425) 212-2941.

  • What Everett’s Mariner Annexation Study Actually Means If You Live in Mariner

    What Everett’s Mariner Annexation Study Actually Means If You Live in Mariner

    Q: I live in Mariner. What does Everett’s annexation study mean for me?

    A: Right now, nothing changes. The April 8, 2026 Everett City Council vote funded a $200,000 consulting study, not an annexation. The study will model what would happen if Mariner — about 21,000 residents, mostly west of I-5, including Mariner High School and a Sno-Isle Libraries branch — became part of Everett. If annexation moves forward (most likely after a ballot vote), Mariner residents would shift from Snohomish County Sheriff patrol to the Everett Police Department, from county roads to Everett Public Works, and would pay Everett’s property tax rate instead of the county’s. The Sno-Isle library branch and Mukilteo School District boundaries would be negotiated separately. Realistic timeline: study results late 2026 or early 2027, possible ballot 2027 or 2028.

    What Everett’s Mariner Annexation Study Actually Means If You Live in Mariner

    If your address is in the Mariner neighborhood — anywhere in the corridor mostly west of Interstate 5, south of the current Everett city line, around 4th Avenue West, Airport Road, and 128th Street SW — the Everett City Council just made a decision about your future without you having a vote in it. Yet. On April 8, 2026, the council approved $200,000 to study whether Mariner should become part of the City of Everett.

    The vote did not annex anyone. It did not move a city line. It hired a consulting firm to figure out whether annexation would actually pay for itself, and to propose a path forward if the math works. This guide walks through what would change for Mariner residents if that path is followed — and what would not.

    Why Mariner, and Why Now

    Mariner has about 21,000 residents living inside Everett’s “urban growth area” — the land the state’s Growth Management Act already considers part of Everett’s future footprint. Mayor Cassie Franklin singled out Mariner High School and the Mariner-area Dick’s Drive-In on Highway 99 during her March 6 keynote address as examples of places with “Everett addresses but [that] don’t yet benefit from the full range of city services.” Her preferred framing is “One Everett.”

    The civic timing is also financial. Everett is staring at a $14 million general fund shortfall for the 2027 budget. Annexation grows the property tax base, brings state-issued sales tax credits available to cities annexing more than 10,000 residents at once, and expands the denominator the city can spread fixed costs across. Mariner is the largest annexable bloc on the table, which is why it’s first.

    It is worth noting Everett walked away from a much larger annexation study in 2008, citing the cost of providing services to new areas. The April 8 vote restarts that conversation in a different fiscal era — one with state sales tax credits and a Sound Transit light rail station planned for the Mariner area.

    What Would Change for Mariner Residents

    If Everett ultimately annexes Mariner, the most visible day-one changes for residents would be:

    Police: Patrol responsibility shifts from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office to the Everett Police Department. Response times, patrol density, community engagement, and reporting all move to EPD’s structures. Sheriff’s deputies stop being your routine first responder.

    Roads and public works: Maintenance of local roads inside the annexed area shifts from Snohomish County Public Works to Everett Public Works. Street lighting, signage, snow response, pothole repair — all become city operations.

    Property tax rate: Your rate changes from the county’s mix of levies to Everett’s mix. Whether your total goes up, down, or stays flat depends on which version of annexation moves forward and how state sales tax credits are applied. The $200,000 study is designed to model exactly this for several scenarios.

    Zoning and permitting: Land use, business licensing, and building permits move from Snohomish County to the City of Everett. Existing zoning is typically respected at the moment of annexation but is then subject to the city’s planning processes.

    Parks and programming: Everett Parks and Recreation would assume responsibility for parks programming inside the annexed area. New community centers, recreation programs, and parks investment would be on the city’s calendar.

    What Would Not Change (At Least Not Automatically)

    Schools: Mariner High School is part of the Mukilteo School District, not the Everett School District. Annexation does not redraw school boundaries. Your kids stay at Mariner High and the Mukilteo SD elementary and middle schools they attend now. School district boundaries are governed by separate state law.

    The Sno-Isle Libraries branch: The Mariner branch of Sno-Isle Libraries continues as a Sno-Isle facility. Annexation by itself doesn’t dissolve the library district — though the City of Everett is separately considering joining Sno-Isle for its own library system, which would simplify things.

    Fire service: Depends on which fire district currently serves Mariner and whether Everett pursues a Regional Fire Authority. If both happen — Mariner annexation and an RFA — the practical service coverage may not change much; the funding mechanism would.

    Your mailing address: Mailing address is a USPS function, not a city one. Most addresses already say “Everett, WA” because that is the post office. Annexation does not change that.

    Sound Transit and Community Transit: Bus and future light rail routes are planned by the regional agencies. The planned Sound Transit station near Mariner stays in plan regardless of annexation status.

    The Tax Picture, Honestly

    This is the question every Mariner resident wants answered, and it is the question the $200,000 study is being paid to answer. Honest disclosure: nobody — including the city — has the precise number yet.

    What is known: Mariner residents currently pay Snohomish County’s general fund property tax (the largest single line on a county tax bill) plus various special district levies (Sno-Isle Libraries, fire district, school district, ports, etc.). After annexation, the county general fund line would be replaced with the City of Everett’s regular property tax levy. Many of the special district levies stay in place. Some — like the Sno-Isle library line — could change if Everett also annexes into Sno-Isle on the city side.

    Washington state offers sales tax credits to cities annexing more than 10,000 residents at once. Mariner clears that threshold. The credits offset some of the new service costs the city takes on. The city’s 2008 walkaway happened in a different state legal landscape and a different real estate cycle.

    Bottom line: a fair range to expect from the study is that Mariner residents see modest changes in either direction depending on housing value and special district overlap. The study will publish per-scenario estimates. Wait for those numbers before drawing personal conclusions.

    What Happens Next, and When You Get a Vote

    The contracted study is expected to take roughly a year. Late 2026 or early 2027 is a reasonable estimate for completion based on Everett’s stated planning timelines. After the study lands, the City Council decides whether to pursue annexation, and if so, by which method.

    Washington state law offers several annexation mechanisms — petition method, election method, and interlocal agreement. The election method requires a majority vote in the area being annexed. The petition method requires signatures from owners of a majority of the assessed value of the property in the area. Either way, in practice, Mariner residents would almost certainly get either a vote or a property-owner petition opportunity before any boundary moves.

    Realistic ballot window: November 2027 or November 2028, not 2026. The study has to complete first.

    How Mariner Residents Can Engage Now

    The April 8 vote was at an Everett City Council meeting. As an unincorporated resident, you don’t currently vote in Everett city elections, but Everett Council meetings are open to the public and accept public comment. The Council typically meets Wednesday evenings; agendas are posted at everettwa.gov.

    Snohomish County Council District 2 — which includes Mariner — also has a stake in this conversation, because annexation removes residents from the county’s tax base. County Council meetings are open to public comment as well.

    Once the consulting firm is hired, expect community outreach in the Mariner area. The city has historically held neighborhood meetings during major planning processes. Watch the city’s annexation page at everettwa.gov for outreach announcements as the study gets underway.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Did Everett just annex Mariner?

    No. The April 8, 2026 vote funded a $200,000 study of whether annexation should move forward. No one was annexed and no boundaries changed.

    When could Mariner actually become part of Everett?

    Earliest realistic ballot window is November 2027 or November 2028, depending on how quickly the study completes and how the Council proceeds. The study itself is expected to take roughly a year.

    Will my kids have to change schools?

    No. Mariner High School and the surrounding Mukilteo School District elementary and middle schools are governed by school district boundaries, not city boundaries. Annexation does not redraw school lines.

    Will Mariner residents get to vote on annexation?

    In almost any of the legal methods Washington allows, yes. The election method requires a majority vote of residents in the area being annexed. The petition method requires signatures from a majority of property assessed value.

    Will my property taxes go up if Mariner is annexed?

    Possibly, possibly not, possibly slightly down — it depends on housing value, special district overlap, and how state sales tax credits apply. The $200,000 study will model specific scenarios. Wait for those numbers.

    Who responds if I call 911 after annexation?

    The 911 call routing wouldn’t change for medical or fire emergencies — those are dispatched through the regional system. For police calls, Everett Police Department officers would respond instead of Snohomish County Sheriff’s deputies.

    What happens to the Sno-Isle library branch in Mariner?

    The branch continues as a Sno-Isle facility. Annexation of Mariner into Everett does not by itself remove Mariner from Sno-Isle. The City of Everett is separately considering joining Sno-Isle for its own library system, which could simplify the long-term structure.

    Where can I follow this as it develops?

    The City of Everett’s annexation page at everettwa.gov, Snohomish County Council District 2 communications, and the Mariner-area neighborhood meetings the city is expected to hold during the study process.

  • What Everett’s $14 Million Budget Gap Means for Your Property Tax Bill, City Services, and 2026 Ballot

    What Everett’s $14 Million Budget Gap Means for Your Property Tax Bill, City Services, and 2026 Ballot

    Q: As an Everett resident, what should I expect from the 2027 budget process?

    A: Expect at least one budget-related ballot measure in November 2026, possibly more than one. The most likely options include a Regional Fire Authority question, a Sno-Isle Libraries annexation question, and a property tax levy lid lift. Each affects your bill differently. Regional fire and library measures typically don’t raise your total tax bill day one — they move which government entity collects which portion. A levy lid lift directly raises the bill. Beyond ballots, expect a fall 2026 city budget process focused on whether to cut services, draw down reserves, or both, while the structural levers work through their longer timelines.

    What Everett’s $14 Million Budget Gap Means for Your Property Tax Bill, City Services, and 2026 Ballot

    If you live inside Everett city limits, the city’s $14 million 2027 budget gap is going to land on your kitchen table in three specific ways: the property tax bill that arrives in your mailbox, the services you rely on (police response times, library hours, parks staffing, road maintenance), and the ballot you receive in October 2026. This guide walks through each.

    What’s Likely on Your November 2026 Ballot

    The Everett City Council has not yet placed any 2026 budget-related measures on the ballot, but Mayor Cassie Franklin has named four structural levers under active consideration. Three of them require voter approval. The early-August 2026 deadline to finalize ballot language gives the city a defined window to decide which questions Everett residents see on November 3.

    The most likely candidates, based on Franklin’s March 6 keynote and the April 8 Council action:

    • A Regional Fire Authority question. “Yes” would create or join a multi-jurisdictional fire and EMS district funded by its own voter-approved property tax and benefit charges. Your city tax portion drops; a new RFA portion is added. Net change to your bill on day one is usually small.
    • A Sno-Isle Libraries annexation question. “Yes” would dissolve the Everett Public Library as a city department and merge Everett into the Sno-Isle district. Your city portion drops; a new Sno-Isle library portion is added. Library service continues.
    • A property tax levy lid lift. This would raise the city’s portion of your property tax above the 1 percent annual cap. The 2024 version, which voters rejected, would have added about $336 per year for the average homeowner.

    It is possible the Council places only one of these on November 2026. It is also possible it places two or three. The annexation study for the Mariner neighborhood is on a longer timeline and is not expected to produce a ballot question for current city residents in 2026.

    What Each Ballot Outcome Means for Your Bill

    RFA — yes: Your total property tax bill probably stays close to flat in year one. Long-term, the RFA has more flexibility to raise its own rates than the city does under the 1 percent cap.

    RFA — no: Fire stays in the city general fund. The city has to find $14 million somewhere else for 2027, which means deeper service cuts, a different ballot strategy, or both.

    Sno-Isle library annexation — yes: Same pattern as the RFA. Bill stays roughly flat. Library service continues, run by Sno-Isle.

    Sno-Isle library annexation — no: Library funding stays in the general fund. Library hours and programs are exposed to deeper cuts in 2027.

    Levy lid lift — yes: Your city tax portion goes up. The 2024 version was about $336 per year for the average Everett homeowner; a 2026 version may be smaller or paired with specific spending commitments.

    Levy lid lift — no: Same outcome as no RFA — the gap has to be closed elsewhere, primarily through service cuts.

    What Service Cuts Could Look Like

    The 2024 budget gap of $12.6 million produced 31 layoffs. The 2027 gap is bigger and the easy one-time tools the city used to soften 2026 — paused pension contributions, COVID-relief reserves — have largely been spent. If structural revenue moves don’t land in time, the 2027 budget would have to lean harder on operational reductions.

    Everett has not published a 2027 service cut menu, and the mayor’s preliminary budget is not expected until fall. Based on the 2024 reductions and the categories that show up first when cities face general-fund pressure, the areas most at risk include parks programming and maintenance, library hours, non-essential city positions, and the discretionary side of public safety budgets.

    Things state law largely protects from the same cuts: pensions, debt service, public safety baseline operations, and statutory programs. Things voters have specifically funded through dedicated levies (parks bonds, transportation, etc.) sit outside the general fund and are not at the same risk.

    Why the 2024 Lift Failed and What Could Change in 2026

    The April 2024 levy lid lift didn’t just lose. It lost decisively. Reading the result, the most-cited reasons in public reporting were the size of the increase (about $336/year for the average homeowner), the broad-purpose framing (general fund support rather than a specific program), and the cost-of-living context for a city that had absorbed back-to-back inflation years.

    If the city brings a measure back in November 2026, the most likely changes are some combination of a smaller ask, a shorter duration (rather than permanent), and tighter purpose framing — a “public safety” or “parks and libraries” levy with named funding commitments rather than a general-purpose lift. Other Washington cities have passed targeted measures after stand-alone general ones failed. That is the playbook to watch for.

    What You Can Do Between Now and November

    The Everett City Council holds public comment opportunities at every regular meeting (typically Wednesday evenings). The 2027 preliminary budget will be the focal civic conversation from September through November. Ballot questions get refined through summer and finalized in early August. The City of Everett’s budget portal at everettwa.gov publishes the projections, the budget book, and the meeting agendas.

    If you want a single window of high-leverage civic engagement on the 2027 budget, it is roughly June through early August 2026 — the period when the Council is deciding what to put on the ballot, what cuts to propose, and what the public is willing to support. After early August, the ballot is locked. After November, the result determines the structural shape of Everett’s budget for the next decade.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Will my Everett property tax bill go up in 2027?

    It depends on what the City Council decides to put on the November 2026 ballot and how voters respond. A levy lid lift would directly raise your bill. RFA or Sno-Isle library measures typically don’t raise the total day one — they shift which entity collects which portion.

    Will my city services be cut?

    If structural revenue moves don’t land in time, yes. The 2024 budget gap led to 31 layoffs; the 2027 gap is larger and the one-time tools have been used. The mayor’s preliminary 2027 budget is expected in the fall.

    Why does Everett have a $14 million deficit?

    Washington state law (Initiative 747, 2001) caps annual city property tax growth at 1 percent. City costs grow faster than that. The gap compounds over time and is now $14 million for the 2027 budget.

    What is a Regional Fire Authority and would I notice the change?

    An RFA is a separate Washington government entity that runs fire and EMS for multiple cities. You would still get fire service from what looks like the same department. The change is on funding and governance — a separate line on your tax bill instead of a slice of the city’s general fund.

    If Everett joins Sno-Isle Libraries, what happens to the Everett Public Library?

    The library buildings, staff, and programs would continue. Operations would be run by the Sno-Isle district, which already serves most of Snohomish County. Funding shifts from the city’s general fund to a separate Sno-Isle property tax line.

    Can I attend the City Council meetings on the budget?

    Yes. Council meetings are held Wednesday evenings at City Hall and are open to the public, with public comment periods. Meeting agendas are posted at everettwa.gov.

    Does the Mariner annexation affect my taxes if I already live in Everett?

    Not directly. Annexation would change tax rates for newly annexed Mariner residents, not for existing city residents. Annexation does affect the city’s overall fiscal picture, which can affect future service levels and budget choices.

  • Everett’s $14 Million 2027 Budget Decision: A Complete Guide to the Four Levers on the Table

    Everett’s $14 Million 2027 Budget Decision: A Complete Guide to the Four Levers on the Table

    Q: What is Everett, Washington’s plan to close its $14 million 2027 budget deficit?

    A: Everett finance staff project a $14 million general fund shortfall for 2027 — larger than the $12.6 million 2024 gap that forced 31 layoffs. Mayor Cassie Franklin has named four levers under active consideration: regionalizing fire services through a Regional Fire Authority, regionalizing libraries by joining Sno-Isle Libraries, a property tax levy lid lift, and annexing parts of the urban growth area starting with the Mariner neighborhood (about 21,000 residents). Three of the four require voter approval. Decisions will sequence through fall 2026 budget hearings and the November 2026 ballot.

    Everett’s $14 Million 2027 Budget Decision: A Complete Guide to the Four Levers on the Table

    Everett, Washington is staring down a $14 million general fund deficit for the 2027 budget — and for the first time in more than a decade, every major lever the city has to close it is publicly on the table at once. Regional fire authority. Regional libraries through Sno-Isle. A new property tax levy lid lift. Annexation of unincorporated south Everett, starting with the 21,000-person Mariner neighborhood. Three of those four require a vote of the people. The fourth almost certainly does too.

    This is the structural moment Mayor Cassie Franklin warned about during her March 6, 2026 keynote address. “We cannot cut our way to a sustainable future,” Franklin said, citing the need for “economic growth and new pathways to long-term, sustainable revenue.” This guide explains how Everett got here, what each of the four levers would actually do, what residents would see on their tax bills, and what to watch between now and the November 2026 election.

    How Everett Built a Structural Deficit

    The root cause is a state law most Everett residents have never heard of. Under Initiative 747, approved by Washington voters in 2001, cities can raise their regular property tax levy by only 1 percent per year without going back to the ballot. The cost of running a city — police, fire, parks, libraries, streets, public works — rises faster than that. In most years, public-sector costs grow with wages and inflation, in the 3 to 5 percent range. The gap compounds.

    Everett’s 2026 budget, approved unanimously by the City Council on November 19, 2025 at $613 million, papered over the gap by pausing some pension contributions and using one-time funds to avoid layoffs. The 2024 budget was harder: a $12.6 million deficit forced 31 layoffs. Now the 2027 projection has reached $14 million, and the one-time tools have already been used.

    Lever One: A Regional Fire Authority

    “Regional fire” is shorthand for a Regional Fire Authority, or RFA — a separate Washington government entity authorized under Chapter 52.26 RCW that provides fire and emergency medical services across multiple jurisdictions and is funded by its own voter-approved property tax and benefit charges. Cities across Washington have moved to RFAs over the past decade because the structure shifts fire costs off general-fund budgets that are squeezed by the 1 percent cap.

    For Everett, an RFA would likely mean joining or forming a multi-jurisdictional authority covering parts of south Snohomish County. Residents would still get fire service from what would functionally look like the same department. They would see a separate line on their property tax bill for the RFA. The city’s general fund would no longer carry the fire department’s cost.

    An RFA does not usually raise total household taxes on day one because the new RFA levy is offset by a reduction in the city’s portion. Over time, however, RFAs have flexibility to raise their own levies that cities under the 1 percent cap don’t have. Creating or joining an RFA requires voter approval in each participating jurisdiction.

    Lever Two: Joining Sno-Isle Libraries

    Everett currently runs the Everett Public Library as a city department, with branches downtown and in Evergreen. Most of the surrounding area — including the Mariner neighborhood Everett is studying for annexation — is served by Sno-Isle Libraries, a regional library district covering most of Snohomish and Island counties and funded by its own voter-approved property tax.

    Regionalizing would mean dissolving the city’s library operation and annexing Everett into the Sno-Isle district. Residents would still have libraries. The city would no longer budget for them. The cost would shift to a separate Sno-Isle levy, which is also subject to the 1 percent cap but sits on a cleaner structural footing because it isn’t competing with police, fire, streets, and parks for the same pool of money.

    Like the RFA path, a Sno-Isle annexation would require voter approval and would typically produce a roughly neutral total tax change on day one — the city’s portion drops as the Sno-Isle portion is added.

    Lever Three: Another Levy Lid Lift

    Under state law, cities can ask voters to temporarily or permanently raise the property tax levy above the 1 percent cap. Everett tried this in April 2024, asking voters to raise the city’s regular property tax levy from $1.52 per $1,000 of assessed value to $2.19 per $1,000 — about $336 per year more for the average homeowner. Voters rejected it decisively.

    Any 2026 or 2027 attempt has to contend with that result. Smaller ask. Shorter duration. A package that pairs a lift with specific spending commitments residents can see — a public safety levy, for example, instead of a general-purpose ask. Other Washington cities have passed targeted levies after stand-alone general lifts failed.

    Lever Four: Annexation, Starting With Mariner

    On April 8, 2026, the Everett City Council approved a $250,000 budget amendment — $200,000 to fund a consulting study of potential annexation, with the Mariner neighborhood as Mayor Franklin’s stated top priority, and $50,000 for a Casino Road subarea plan. City spokesperson Simone Tarver called the vote “just a first step in the process.”

    Mariner sits mostly west of Interstate 5, south of the current city limits. About 21,000 people live there today. It includes Mariner High School, a Sno-Isle Libraries branch, several busy bus routes, and a planned Sound Transit light rail station on the Everett Link Extension. Everett’s full urban growth area — the land the state already considers part of the city’s future footprint — contains roughly 47,690 people. Annexing all of it would push Everett’s population from about 111,000 to about 159,000, a 43 percent increase.

    Annexation grows the property tax base, brings in state-issued sales tax credits available to cities annexing more than 10,000 residents at once, and expands the denominator the city can spread fixed costs across. It is not free revenue — annexed residents need services that cost money to provide. The $200,000 study is designed to model whether the math works in 2026 in a way it did not work when Everett walked away from a much larger annexation in 2008.

    What Residents Would and Would Not See on a Tax Bill

    Three of the four levers — RFA, Sno-Isle library annexation, levy lift — would require voter approval. The fourth, annexation of Mariner or other UGA areas, would very likely require a vote too, depending on the legal method chosen. The dollar impact differs by lever:

    • RFA — usually neutral on the total bill day one; the city portion drops as the RFA portion is added. Long-term, RFAs have more flexibility to raise rates.
    • Sno-Isle library annexation — same structural pattern as the RFA. Neutral day one; new revenue stream over time.
    • Levy lid lift — directly raises the total bill. The 2024 attempt would have added about $336 per year for the average homeowner.
    • Annexation — raises bills for newly annexed residents (who switch from county to city tax rates) but not for existing city residents.

    The Decision Calendar

    Mayor Franklin is expected to deliver her 2027 preliminary budget proposal to the City Council in the early fall, on Everett’s standard budget calendar. Between now and then, the city will refine cost projections, receive interim findings from the Mariner annexation study, and engage with the local fire district and Sno-Isle Libraries on regionalization conversations. Any ballot measure intended for the November 3, 2026 general election would need to be finalized by early August 2026.

    The decisions to watch, in order: the annexation study findings (expected late 2026 or early 2027), the fall 2026 preliminary budget, whether the city places a regional fire or library question on the November ballot, and whether a new levy lid lift returns to voters in 2026 or 2027. Each decision narrows the set of options that remain.

    What Is Already Being Done

    The 2026 budget uses one-time funds and pension pauses to hold staffing flat through this year. That buys time but not a solution. The Council has approved both the annexation study and the Casino Road subarea plan, both on April 8. Beyond that, the city has pointed to broader economic momentum — continued housing construction, new business licenses, the Boeing 737 North Line opening at Paine Field, and the Millwright District and Waterfront Place developments — as long-term revenue drivers. None of those arrive in time to close the 2027 gap on their own.

    Everett’s structural revenue challenge is not unique among Washington cities, but the simultaneity of the four levers Franklin has named is unusual. Most cities pick one tool and run it. Everett may end up running several at once. That is what a $14 million gap with the easy moves already used looks like in practice.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How big is Everett’s projected 2027 budget deficit?

    Everett finance staff project a $14 million general fund shortfall for the 2027 budget. That is larger than the $12.6 million deficit in 2024, which forced 31 layoffs.

    What are the four levers Mayor Franklin has named?

    Regionalizing fire services through a Regional Fire Authority, regionalizing libraries by joining the Sno-Isle Libraries district, asking voters for a property tax levy lid lift, and annexing parts of the urban growth area starting with the Mariner neighborhood.

    How many of those levers require voter approval?

    Three of the four — the RFA, the Sno-Isle library annexation, and the levy lid lift — require voter approval. Annexation also typically requires a vote, depending on the legal method chosen.

    Will regionalizing fire or libraries raise my property taxes?

    Not usually on day one. The new RFA or Sno-Isle levy is typically offset by a reduction in the city’s portion of the property tax. Over time, both districts have more flexibility to raise rates than cities under the 1 percent cap have.

    Why did the 2024 Everett levy lid lift fail at the ballot?

    Voters rejected it. The proposal would have raised Everett’s regular property tax levy from $1.52 per $1,000 of assessed value to $2.19 per $1,000 — about $336 per year more for the average homeowner.

    How does the 1 percent property tax cap work?

    Under Initiative 747, approved by Washington voters in 2001, most cities can only raise their regular property tax levy by 1 percent per year without going to voters. Public-sector costs typically grow at 3 to 5 percent annually, which is the structural source of Everett’s gap.

    When will Everett decide which levers to use?

    Mayor Franklin is expected to present a preliminary 2027 budget to the City Council in the fall of 2026. Any ballot measures for the November 3, 2026 general election must be finalized by early August. The Mariner annexation study is expected to conclude in late 2026 or early 2027.

    Could Everett use more than one lever at once?

    Yes. The four levers address different parts of the structural problem — regionalization shifts costs off the general fund, annexation grows the base, a levy lift raises the rate. Policymakers often combine these tools rather than picking one. Everett may run two or three in parallel through the November 2026 election.

  • New to Mason County? Your First Property Tax Bill Explained — April 30, 2026 Deadline

    New to Mason County? Your First Property Tax Bill Explained — April 30, 2026 Deadline

    Moving into a Mason County home means inheriting a property tax calendar that may look different from what newcomers are used to — especially if the last place you owned was outside Washington State. The first-half 2026 Mason County property tax payment is due Thursday, April 30, 2026, and new homeowners in Shelton, Belfair, Allyn, Union, Hoodsport, and the rest of the county need to know how the system works before that date. Here is the practical walkthrough for anyone paying a Mason County property tax bill for the first time.

    How Mason County Property Tax Differs From What You May Be Used To

    Washington State does not levy an income tax, which pushes more of the cost of local services — sheriff, roads, schools, public health, courts — onto property taxes than most other states. Mason County, like all 39 counties in Washington, collects property tax twice a year rather than monthly through an escrow account (although many mortgage servicers still escrow monthly and pay the county on your behalf twice a year). The key dates are:

    • April 30 — first-half payment due
    • October 31 — second-half payment due

    If your mortgage servicer escrows your taxes, the servicer pays these bills directly from your escrow account and you typically will not receive a payment notice from Mason County. If you own free and clear — or if you are a new buyer in a cash sale or a buyer whose lender does not escrow — the responsibility is entirely yours, and the Treasurer does not send reminders beyond the initial bill mailed earlier in the year.

    How to Confirm Whether You Owe Directly or Through Escrow

    New residents often ask: did I already pay this in closing? The answer depends on the closing date and the terms of the sale. A portion of the annual tax is usually prorated between buyer and seller at closing, but that proration only covers the days the seller owned the home — not the tax bill itself. If closing happened before April 30, the outstanding first-half bill is typically paid at or before closing. If closing happened after April 30, the first half has usually already been paid by the seller and the buyer’s first real bill is the October 31 second half.

    To know for sure, log into the Mason County Property Tax Inquiry at masoncountywa.gov or call the Treasurer’s Office at 360-427-9670, extension 484. You will need your parcel number or property address to look up the current status of the tax account. If the balance shows as paid, nothing is due. If the balance shows as unpaid, you owe it by April 30 regardless of anything else.

    How to Actually Pay It

    Mason County accepts three payment methods. Each works. Pick whichever fits the day you realize you owe.

    • Online through Point & Pay — Access from masoncountywa.gov. Accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and E-checks. A 2.5% credit card fee applies ($2 minimum); E-check fees are typically lower for larger amounts.
    • By phone — Call Point & Pay at 1-855-331-3631. Same cards accepted as online. Visa Debit and E-Checks are not available through the phone system — use the web portal for those.
    • In person or by mail — Mason County Treasurer’s Office, 411 N. 5th Street, Shelton, WA. Mailed payments must be postmarked on or before April 30, 2026, to be on time. Make checks payable to the Mason County Treasurer and write the parcel number on the memo line.

    What Is on Your Mason County Property Tax Bill

    A Mason County property tax bill is not a single tax — it is a stack of levies from different taxing districts layered onto the property. A typical Mason County bill includes:

    • County general fund (sheriff, roads, courts, treasurer, assessor, auditor)
    • State school levy (Washington’s contribution to public education)
    • Local school district levy (e.g., North Mason School District if the property is in the Belfair–Allyn–Tahuya area, or Shelton School District, or the Hood Canal or Pioneer districts depending on address)
    • Fire district levy (which district depends on address)
    • Library district levy
    • Port district levy (Port of Shelton, Port of Allyn, Port of Hoodsport, etc.)
    • Hospital district or public utility district assessments where applicable
    • Conservation district fee

    All of this is rolled into the single “total due” number on the bill. Each district’s rate is set annually, which is why the tax bill can change from year to year even when the assessed value of the home is flat. For new residents trying to understand why a neighbor’s bill looks different, the answer is almost always a different combination of taxing districts — a home in the city of Shelton pays different levies than a home in unincorporated Mason County outside any city limit.

    The Other Civic Deadline Newcomers Should Know About

    New residents who live in the North Mason School District (Belfair, Allyn, Tahuya) also have a special election on April 28, 2026, on a replacement Educational Programs & Operations levy that the district has asked voters to approve. That’s a school-funding question on its own timeline — the April 28 ballot — separate from the April 30 tax-payment deadline. If you recently registered to vote at your new Mason County address, your ballot has already been mailed. For coverage of what’s on that ballot, see our report on the North Mason School District levy.

    If You Are New and Overwhelmed

    The single most useful phone call a new Mason County resident can make is to the Treasurer’s Office at 360-427-9670, extension 484. The staff there can pull up your parcel in seconds, tell you exactly how much you owe for the first half, whether any portion was paid at closing, whether your mortgage servicer is handling it, and what your options are if you need a payment plan. For a broader orientation to the county you just moved into, our guide on living in Mason County, Washington covers most of the other questions newcomers ask in their first year.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    I just moved to Mason County. Do I owe property tax by April 30?

    It depends on your closing date and whether your mortgage escrows taxes. If closing happened before April 30, 2026, the first-half tax is usually paid at closing or is in the buyer’s hands to pay by April 30. If closing happened after April 30, the first half has usually already been paid by the seller, and the next bill you owe is the October 31 second half. Call the Mason County Treasurer at 360-427-9670 extension 484 with your parcel number to confirm your specific status.

    Does my mortgage company pay my Mason County property tax?

    Possibly. If your mortgage includes an escrow account for taxes and insurance, the servicer collects a portion of your monthly payment and pays the Treasurer directly by April 30 and October 31. Check your most recent mortgage statement for an escrow account balance, or call your servicer. If you have no escrow account, the full responsibility for paying Mason County directly is yours.

    What if I didn’t get a property tax bill from Mason County?

    The Treasurer’s Office mails annual tax statements earlier in the year, but new residents who closed on a home mid-year often do not receive one because the mailing went to the prior owner or to the mortgage servicer’s address. A missing bill does not excuse the deadline. Look up your balance at masoncountywa.gov using your parcel number, or call the Treasurer at 360-427-9670 extension 484 to get the amount.

    Can I set up monthly property tax payments in Mason County?

    Mason County does not offer a standard monthly-installment program for property taxes in the way a mortgage servicer does. Washington state law authorizes two payments per year: half on April 30 and half on October 31. Taxpayers who cannot meet a deadline can contact the Treasurer’s Office at 360-427-9670 extension 475 to discuss a case-by-case payment plan. The most common “monthly” approach is to set up an escrow account voluntarily through your bank or to self-budget monthly and make the two large payments yourself.

    Why does my Mason County property tax bill have so many line items?

    Your bill is a stack of levies from every taxing district your property sits in — county general fund, state school levy, local school district, fire district, library district, port district, conservation district, and sometimes a hospital or PUD assessment. Each district sets its own rate annually. The “total” on the bill is the sum. Homes in different Mason County communities pay different totals because they sit in different combinations of districts, not because the county charges them more.


  • Mason County Senior Property Tax Exemption: Who Qualifies, How to Apply, and the April 30 Deadline

    Mason County Senior Property Tax Exemption: Who Qualifies, How to Apply, and the April 30 Deadline

    Mason County seniors who own their home and live in it full-time may be eligible for a Washington State property tax exemption that can substantially reduce the annual tax bill — but the exemption is not automatic, and the clock is ticking on the April 30, 2026, first-half payment deadline. This is what homeowners 61 and older in Shelton, Belfair, Allyn, Union, and every other Mason County community need to know about qualifying, applying, and what to do in the meantime.

    Who Qualifies for the Mason County Senior Property Tax Exemption

    Washington State’s senior citizen and disabled-person property tax exemption is administered at the county level. To qualify in Mason County, a homeowner generally must meet all of these conditions:

    • Age or disability — Be 61 years or older by December 31 of the year before the exemption takes effect, or be retired from regular employment because of a physical disability, or be a disabled veteran with an 80% or greater service-connected disability rating.
    • Ownership — Own the home as of December 31 of the qualifying year, and hold the title in the applicant’s name (or through a qualifying life estate or trust).
    • Primary residence — Live in the home as a primary residence for at least nine months of the year.
    • Income — Have a total household disposable income of $55,000 or less per year. Mason County’s income threshold was increased to $55,000 effective for the 2024 tax year and remains the qualifying ceiling for the current program.

    Income under the program includes Social Security, pensions, IRA distributions, wages, rental income, interest, and dividends. Some items can be deducted — for example, non-reimbursed medical expenses and certain long-term care costs — which means households that look over the threshold on paper may still qualify once deductions are applied.

    What the Exemption Actually Does to Your Tax Bill

    The exemption is tiered by income. At the lowest income tier, a qualifying senior’s property value is frozen at the level it was when they first qualified (preventing future increases from raising the tax bill) and a portion of regular levy taxes is removed. At higher income tiers within the $55,000 ceiling, the reduction is smaller but still meaningful. For many Mason County seniors on fixed incomes, the difference between qualifying and not qualifying can run into the hundreds or low thousands of dollars per year.

    The exemption does not apply to special assessments like fire district fees, local improvement districts, or conservation district fees. Those remain payable in full regardless of exemption status.

    How to Apply Through the Mason County Assessor

    Applications for the senior and disabled exemption go through the Mason County Assessor’s Office, not the Treasurer. This is an important distinction — the Treasurer collects taxes, but the Assessor determines who qualifies for the exemption that reduces those taxes in the first place.

    Questions and application packets are available at 360-427-9670, extension 491. Applicants need to provide:

    • Proof of age (birth certificate, driver’s license) or proof of disability (from Social Security, VA, or a physician)
    • Proof the home is the primary residence
    • Documentation of total household income — typically prior-year tax returns plus Social Security and pension statements

    First-time applicants should plan for the process to take several weeks after paperwork is received. Retroactive refunds may be available if it turns out the applicant has qualified for prior years and was unaware of the program.

    What to Do About the April 30, 2026, Deadline in the Meantime

    If a qualifying senior has not yet applied — or has applied but not yet been approved — the April 30 first-half property tax payment is still due at the full amount. Missing the deadline creates interest and penalties that accrue beginning May 1, 2026, and those charges are not waived retroactively even if the exemption is later granted.

    Mason County seniors who are close to the income threshold or think they may qualify should do two things right now: (1) pay the first-half bill by April 30 through any of the three available methods — in person at 411 N. 5th Street in Shelton, by mail postmarked on time, or online/by phone through Point & Pay at 1-855-331-3631; and (2) start the exemption application process through the Assessor so it is in place for the October 31 second-half bill and future years.

    For broader payment guidance on the April 30 deadline, see our complete Mason County property tax payment guide. For the full picture of how the county government works and how the Assessor and Treasurer fit together, see how Mason County government works.

    The Federal Deferral Program (Different From the Exemption)

    Washington State also runs a property tax deferral program for seniors and disabled residents, separate from the exemption. The deferral does not reduce the tax — it delays payment, with the deferred amount becoming a lien against the property that is collected when the property is sold or transferred. The deferral program is useful for residents whose income qualifies but who want to preserve liquidity in a given year rather than reduce the long-term cost. The Assessor’s Office can explain both options during the application conversation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the income limit for the Mason County senior property tax exemption in 2026?

    The current income threshold for the Mason County senior and disabled-person property tax exemption is $55,000 per year in total household disposable income. Mason County raised the limit from $40,000 to $55,000 effective for the 2024 tax year, and that threshold applies to the current program. Deductions for non-reimbursed medical expenses and long-term care costs can bring households under the ceiling even if gross income looks higher.

    How do I apply for the Mason County senior property tax exemption?

    Applications are filed with the Mason County Assessor’s Office, not the Treasurer. Call 360-427-9670 extension 491 to request an application packet. You will need to provide proof of age or disability, proof the home is your primary residence, and documentation of your total household income from the prior year. The application is not automatic and must be renewed periodically.

    Do I still have to pay the April 30 property tax bill if I’ve applied for the senior exemption?

    Yes. If your exemption has not yet been approved by April 30, 2026, you must pay the first-half property tax at the full billed amount. Interest begins accruing May 1 on any unpaid balance and is not waived even if the exemption is later granted. Once the exemption is approved, future bills reflect the reduction. Ask the Assessor’s Office whether you qualify for any retroactive refund for prior years you may have been eligible but unenrolled.

    What’s the difference between the senior exemption and the senior deferral in Mason County?

    The senior exemption reduces the amount of property tax owed for qualifying homeowners. The senior deferral program delays payment rather than reducing it — deferred amounts become a lien on the property that is paid when the property is sold or transferred. Both are administered through the Assessor’s Office. Seniors below the income threshold can generally choose either program based on their cash-flow needs.

    Does the Mason County exemption apply to all property taxes?

    No. The exemption applies to regular levy property taxes. It does not apply to special assessments such as fire district fees, local improvement districts, conservation district fees, or similar non-ad-valorem charges. Those continue to be billed and owed in full regardless of exemption status. The Treasurer’s Office can explain which portions of your specific bill are and are not subject to the exemption.


  • Mason County Property Tax Deadline April 30, 2026: Payment Options, Fees, and What Happens If You’re Late

    Mason County Property Tax Deadline April 30, 2026: Payment Options, Fees, and What Happens If You’re Late

    Mason County property owners have until Thursday, April 30, 2026, to pay the first half of their 2026 property taxes. The Mason County Treasurer’s Office has confirmed that delinquent charges begin Friday, May 1, 2026, and is urging anyone who can pay early to do so before last-minute mail and online backlogs create problems. Here is the complete payment guide for every property owner from Shelton to Dewatto — what you can pay, how you can pay, what it costs, and what happens if you miss the deadline.

    April 30 Is a Hard Deadline Under State Law

    Under Washington state law, property tax payments of $50 or more can be split into two halves: the first due on or before April 30 and the second due on or before October 31 of the same year. Payments under $50 must be paid in full by April 30. This is not a Mason County-specific rule — every county treasurer in the state enforces the same schedule — but Mason County Treasurer’s Office has reminded local taxpayers that mail delivery times through the USPS may be delayed, so payments should be mailed well ahead of the deadline.

    Payments postmarked on or before April 30 are considered on time. After that, interest and penalties accrue on the unpaid balance beginning May 1.

    Three Ways to Pay Your Mason County Property Tax

    The Mason County Treasurer’s Office offers three primary methods for the 2026 first-half payment.

    1. Pay in Person

    The Mason County Treasurer’s Office is located at 411 N. 5th Street, Shelton, WA. In-person payments accept cash, check, cashier’s check, money order, and credit or debit cards. Office hours are generally Monday through Friday during standard business hours; Mason County residents making the trip should call ahead to confirm hours on the day of payment.

    2. Pay by Mail

    Mail-in payments must be postmarked on or before April 30, 2026, to be considered on time. The Treasurer’s Office recommends mailing early — delivery windows through the USPS can stretch several business days, and a payment received after the deadline but postmarked on time is still credited as timely. Checks should be payable to the Mason County Treasurer and include the property account number or parcel number on the memo line.

    3. Pay Online or by Phone

    Mason County uses Point & Pay for online and telephone credit/debit card processing. The online portal is accessible from masoncountywa.gov, and the automated phone payment system can be reached at 1-855-331-3631. Accepted cards are Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Visa Debit and E-Checks are not available over the phone but are available online.

    A processing fee applies to credit card payments: 2.5% of the amount due, with a $2.00 minimum. E-checks carry a flat fee that is generally lower than the card fee for larger payments; the exact amount is disclosed at checkout on the Point & Pay portal.

    What If You Can’t Pay the Full Amount by April 30?

    Mason County offers payment plan arrangements for taxpayers who cannot pay in full by the deadline. These are not advertised on the standard payment page — they are handled case-by-case through the Treasurer’s Office at 360-427-9670, extension 475. Interest generally continues to accrue on the unpaid balance during a payment plan, so contacting the office before April 30 typically produces a better outcome than waiting until after the deadline has passed.

    Senior and Disabled Property Tax Exemptions

    Mason County participates in Washington State’s senior citizen and disabled-person property tax exemption program. The program can reduce or freeze the taxable value of a primary residence for qualifying owners. Eligibility generally requires the applicant to be 61 years or older, or to be disabled, and to own and occupy the home as a primary residence. The income threshold for Mason County was raised to $55,000 per year effective for the 2024 tax year and remains the current qualifying ceiling for the program.

    The exemption is applied for through the Mason County Assessor’s Office, not the Treasurer, and does not happen automatically. Applicants must file paperwork and provide income documentation. Questions about qualification or how to apply can go to the Assessor’s Office at 360-427-9670, extension 491.

    What Happens If You’re Late

    Interest accrues on delinquent property taxes under state law. In Washington, unpaid first-half taxes accrue interest at 1% per month beginning May 1, and additional penalties compound as the tax remains unpaid. Extended delinquency can eventually place the property at risk of foreclosure, though that process plays out over multiple years and involves formal notice before any action. The Treasurer’s Office will work with property owners who contact them early; the worst outcomes almost always involve owners who do not reach out.

    Why the April 30 Deadline Matters to Every Mason County Community

    Property taxes fund the services that show up in every Mason County community from Shelton to Dewatto. That includes the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, county roads, district courts, public health, planning, and the county elections office that runs votes like the North Mason levy special election on April 28. A high percentage of first-half collections is what keeps those services funded through the summer months until the October 31 second-half deadline brings in the next major revenue cycle.

    For a broader look at how Mason County government departments interact with each other and with residents, see our guide on how Mason County government works. Property owners weighing how the North Mason School District levy on the same election cycle affects their tax bill can also consult our coverage on what the levy means for your tax bill.

    Key Contacts and Deadlines at a Glance

    • First-half property tax due: Thursday, April 30, 2026
    • Second-half property tax due: Saturday, October 31, 2026
    • Treasurer’s Office: 411 N. 5th Street, Shelton, WA
    • Treasurer general line: 360-427-9670, extension 484
    • Payment plans: 360-427-9670, extension 475
    • Senior/disabled exemption (Assessor): 360-427-9670, extension 491
    • Automated phone payment (Point & Pay): 1-855-331-3631
    • Online portal: masoncountywa.gov

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When is the Mason County property tax deadline in 2026?

    The first-half 2026 Mason County property tax payment is due Thursday, April 30, 2026. The second-half payment is due Friday, October 31, 2026. Payments postmarked on or before the deadline are considered on time. Delinquent charges begin accruing the day after the deadline.

    How do I pay my Mason County property tax online?

    Mason County uses Point & Pay to process online property tax payments. Access the portal from masoncountywa.gov and select the property tax payment link. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards are accepted, along with E-checks. A 2.5% fee ($2.00 minimum) applies to credit card transactions. You can also pay by phone at 1-855-331-3631 using the same system.

    Can I split my Mason County property tax into two payments?

    Yes. Under Washington state law, any Mason County property tax bill of $50 or more can be split into two halves. The first half is due April 30 and the second half is due October 31. Bills under $50 must be paid in full by April 30. You do not need to file a special request — half-payment is the default if your bill is $50 or more.

    What happens if I miss the April 30 Mason County property tax deadline?

    Interest and penalties begin accruing May 1 under Washington state law. Interest is charged at 1% per month on the unpaid balance. Extended delinquency eventually places the property at risk of foreclosure, though that process takes years and involves multiple formal notices. If you cannot pay in full, contact the Treasurer’s Office at 360-427-9670 extension 475 before the deadline to discuss payment plan options.

    Does Mason County have a senior property tax exemption?

    Yes. Mason County participates in Washington State’s senior citizen and disabled-person property tax exemption. Owners who are 61 or older or disabled, own and occupy a primary residence in Mason County, and have an annual household income of $55,000 or less may qualify. Applications go through the Mason County Assessor’s Office at 360-427-9670 extension 491. The exemption is not automatic — you must apply and provide income documentation.

    Can I set up a payment plan for Mason County property tax?

    Yes. Mason County Treasurer’s Office works with property owners who cannot pay the full amount by the deadline. Payment plans are arranged case-by-case. Contact the Treasurer’s Office at 360-427-9670 extension 475 to discuss options. Interest continues to accrue during a payment plan, so reaching out before April 30 typically produces a better outcome than waiting until after the deadline.

    Where is the Mason County Treasurer’s Office located?

    The Mason County Treasurer’s Office is located at 411 N. 5th Street, Shelton, WA. In-person payments accept cash, check, cashier’s check, money order, and credit or debit cards. Confirm office hours at 360-427-9670 extension 484 before visiting, especially close to the April 30 deadline when lines can be long.


  • Everett’s $14 Million Budget Gap Is Back — and Regionalizing Fire and Libraries Is on the Table

    Everett’s $14 Million Budget Gap Is Back — and Regionalizing Fire and Libraries Is on the Table

    Q: How big is Everett’s 2027 budget shortfall and what could the city do about it?

    A: Everett finance staff project a $14 million general fund deficit for the 2027 budget — larger than the $12.6 million gap that forced 31 layoffs in 2024. Mayor Cassie Franklin has named four levers under active discussion: regionalizing fire services, regionalizing library services, another property tax levy lid lift, and annexation of unincorporated areas like Mariner. Three of the four would require voter approval, which in Everett has a mixed record — voters rejected the last levy lid lift in 2024.

    Everett’s $14 Million Budget Gap Is Back — and Regionalizing Fire and Libraries Is on the Table

    Everett’s budget math gets harder in 2027. Finance staff are projecting a $14 million general fund shortfall — a wider gap than the $12.6 million deficit in 2024 that led to 31 layoffs and a ballot measure voters turned down. Mayor Cassie Franklin has named the levers the city is weighing to close it: regionalizing fire services, regionalizing library services, going back to the ballot for a property tax levy lid lift, and annexation. Three of those four require voter approval.

    “We cannot cut our way to a sustainable future,” Franklin said during her March 6 keynote address, pointing to the need for “economic growth and new pathways to long-term, sustainable revenue.” What follows is what each of those paths would actually mean for residents — and how Everett got here.

    How Everett Ended Up With a Structural Deficit

    The basic cause is a gap between how fast Everett’s costs rise and how fast Washington state allows the city to raise property tax revenue. Under Initiative 747, approved by voters in 2001, cities can increase their regular property tax levy by only 1 percent per year without going back to the ballot. The cost of delivering police, fire, parks, libraries and streets rises faster than that — in most years, closer to the rate of inflation or the rate of wage growth for public employees.

    The compounding effect is slow but relentless. Each year the revenue line grows by about 1 percent plus new construction, while the expense line grows by 3 to 5 percent. Over a decade, the lines drift apart. Everett’s 2026 budget, approved unanimously by the City Council on November 19, 2025 at $613 million, papered over that gap by pausing some pension contributions and spending one-time funds to avoid layoffs. Those are not repeatable moves.

    That is how the 2027 projection reached $14 million.

    Lever One: Regionalizing Fire Services

    “Regional fire” is policy shorthand for a Regional Fire Authority, or RFA — a separate government entity, authorized under Washington’s Chapter 52.26 RCW, that provides fire and EMS services across multiple cities and unincorporated areas and is funded by its own voter-approved property tax and benefit charges instead of through participating cities’ general funds. Cities in the state have increasingly moved toward RFAs over the past decade because the structure moves fire costs off general-fund budgets that are squeezed by the 1 percent cap.

    For Everett, an RFA would likely mean joining or forming a multi-jurisdictional fire authority serving parts of south Snohomish County. Residents would still get fire service from what would functionally look like the same department — but would see a separate line on their property tax bill for the RFA, and the city’s general fund would no longer carry the fire department’s cost.

    Creating or joining an RFA requires voter approval in each participating jurisdiction. It does not usually raise total household taxes on day one, because the new RFA levy is offset by a reduction in the city levy. Over time, however, RFAs have flexibility to raise their own levies that cities don’t have.

    Lever Two: Regionalizing Library Services

    Everett currently operates the Everett Public Library as a city department, with branches downtown and in Evergreen. Most of the surrounding area — including the Mariner neighborhood Everett is studying for annexation — is served by Sno-Isle Libraries, a regional library district that covers most of Snohomish and Island counties and is funded by its own voter-approved property tax.

    Regionalizing would mean dissolving the city’s library operation and annexing Everett into the Sno-Isle district. Residents would continue to have libraries. The city would no longer budget for them. The cost would shift to a separate Sno-Isle property tax, which is also subject to the 1 percent cap but sits on a cleaner structural footing because it isn’t competing with police, fire, streets and parks for the same pool of money.

    As with fire regionalization, the move requires voter approval. And as with fire, it usually means a roughly neutral change on day one for residents’ total tax bill, because the city’s portion of the property tax would drop as the Sno-Isle portion is added.

    Lever Three: Another Levy Lid Lift Attempt

    Under state law, cities can ask voters to temporarily or permanently raise the property tax levy above the 1 percent cap. This is called a levy lid lift. Everett tried this in April 2024, asking voters to raise the city’s regular property tax levy rate from $1.52 per $1,000 of assessed value to $2.19 per $1,000 — a jump of roughly $336 per year for the average homeowner. Voters rejected it decisively.

    Any new levy lift attempt would have to contend with that result. Options the city could consider include a smaller ask, a shorter duration, or a package that pairs a lift with specific spending commitments residents can see — similar to public safety levies other Washington cities have passed after stand-alone general-purpose lifts failed.

    Lever Four: Annexation

    Everett approved $200,000 on April 8 to study annexing parts of its urban growth area — with the Mariner neighborhood, home to about 21,000 residents, as the top priority. Annexation adds property tax base, brings in state-issued sales tax credits available to cities annexing more than 10,000 residents at once, and — the whole point — expands the denominator the city can spread fixed costs across.

    It is not free revenue. Annexed residents get city services, which cost money to provide. Everett explored a much larger annexation in 2008 and walked away, citing those costs. The $200,000 study is designed to tell the current council whether the math works in 2026 that did not work in 2008 — a different era for city finance, regional transit, and the state’s sales tax credit program.

    What Residents Would and Wouldn’t See

    Three of the four levers — regional fire, regional library, levy lift — would require voter approval. The fourth — annexation — would very likely require a vote too, depending on the method. In all four, the dollar impact on a typical household is not straightforward. Regionalizing fire or libraries rearranges which line item on a property tax bill funds them without usually raising the total immediately. A levy lift directly raises the total. Annexation would raise the total for newly annexed residents, not for people already inside city limits.

    What residents are likely to see first is a budget process. Mayor Franklin is expected to deliver her 2027 preliminary budget proposal to the City Council in the early fall, following the typical Everett budget calendar. Between now and then, the city will refine cost projections, receive the annexation study, and engage with the fire district and Sno-Isle Libraries on regionalization conversations. Any ballot measure the city wants on the November 2026 general election would need to be finalized by early August.

    What’s Already Being Done

    The 2026 budget uses one-time funds and pension pauses to hold staffing flat through this year. That buys time but not a solution. The Council has also approved the annexation study and a Casino Road subarea plan, both on April 8. Beyond that, the city has pointed to broader economic momentum — continued housing construction, new business licenses, the Boeing 737 North Line opening at Paine Field, and the Millwright District and Waterfront Place developments — as long-term revenue drivers. None of those arrive in time to close the 2027 gap on their own.

    The decisions to watch are, in order: the annexation study’s findings, the fall 2026 budget proposal, whether the city places a regional fire or library question on the November 2026 ballot, and whether a new levy lid lift returns to voters in 2026 or 2027. Each decision narrows the set of remaining options. Taken together, they will reshape how Everett pays for its basic services for the next decade.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How large is Everett’s 2027 projected budget deficit?

    City finance staff project a $14 million general fund shortfall for 2027. That compares to a $12.6 million deficit in 2024 that resulted in 31 layoffs.

    What is a Regional Fire Authority?

    A Regional Fire Authority, or RFA, is a separate Washington government entity authorized under Chapter 52.26 RCW. It provides fire and emergency medical services across multiple jurisdictions and is funded by its own voter-approved property tax and benefit charges rather than through participating cities’ general funds.

    Would a regional fire or library authority raise my property taxes?

    Not usually on day one. The new RFA or library district levy is typically offset by a reduction in the city’s general levy. Over time, however, these districts have more flexibility to raise their own levies than cities do under state law.

    Why didn’t the 2024 Everett levy lid lift pass?

    Voters rejected it, with the measure falling well short of approval. The proposal would have raised Everett’s property tax levy from $1.52 per $1,000 of assessed value to $2.19 per $1,000 — about $336 per year more for the average homeowner.

    Is regionalizing libraries the same as closing them?

    No. Under regionalization, Everett’s libraries would continue operating but would be run by the Sno-Isle Libraries district, which already serves most of Snohomish County. Residents would continue to have library service. The change is on the funding and governance side.

    When will Everett decide which of these levers to use?

    Mayor Franklin is expected to present a preliminary 2027 budget proposal to the City Council in the fall of 2026. Any ballot measures for the November 2026 general election would need to be finalized by early August. The annexation study is expected to conclude in late 2026 or early 2027.

    How does the 1 percent property tax cap work?

    Under Initiative 747, which voters approved in 2001, most Washington cities can only raise their regular property tax levy by 1 percent per year without going to voters. Costs for public services generally rise faster than that, which is the root cause of Everett’s structural deficit.

    Do annexation, regionalization, and levy lifts cancel each other out?

    No — each addresses a different piece of the budget. Regionalization moves costs off the general fund. Annexation grows the tax base. A levy lift raises the rate on the existing base. Policymakers often pursue combinations of these tools together rather than choosing one.