Tag: Local Government

  • Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Opens Port of Shelton Facility

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Opens Port of Shelton Facility

    One of Mason County’s most beloved food brands is growing up — and growing into a facility four times the size of where it started. Olympic Mountain Ice Cream, the artisan ice cream maker that has operated out of the Skokomish Valley for over 40 years, is establishing a new home at the Port of Shelton: an 11,500-square-foot facility at 130 West Corporate Drive, backed by a $1.75 million state loan and expected to add 17 new jobs to the local economy.

    The move is the largest single expansion in the company’s four-decade history, and one of the more significant food manufacturing investments Mason County has seen in years.

    The Numbers Behind the Expansion

    The Port of Shelton Commission passed a resolution approving the project’s financing — a $1.75 million low-interest loan from the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). The loan is paired with at least $1 million in private investment from Olympic Mountain Ice Cream itself, for a total project investment of roughly $2.75 million.

    The new facility is a renovated Port-owned warehouse at 130 West Corporate Drive. At 11,500 square feet, it is four times larger than Olympic Mountain Ice Cream’s previous Skokomish Valley location. The company currently employs 18 people and produces more than 50,000 gallons of artisan ice cream, gelato, and sorbet annually, serving over 300 active wholesale customers.

    The expansion plan projects 17 new permanent jobs over the next five years — nearly doubling the current workforce. In a county where manufacturing employment is relatively scarce and wages in food production tend to be accessible to workers without specialized credentials, 17 additional positions represents a meaningful contribution to the local job market.

    A New Public-Facing Retail Storefront

    The Port of Shelton facility will include a retail storefront open to the public — a significant upgrade from the company’s previous production-focused setup. For Mason County residents who know Olympic Mountain Ice Cream primarily as the brand in their grocery store freezer case, the new location offers a chance to buy direct and see the operation up close.

    The company has been handcrafting ice cream using Pacific Northwest-grown berries and stone fruit for more than 30 years under the same family ownership. Moving to a facility with a retail presence while maintaining its wholesale distribution network positions the company to grow both sides of its business simultaneously.

    What Is CERB and Why Does It Matter for Mason County?

    The Community Economic Revitalization Board is a Washington State program that provides low-interest loans and grants to public entities — including port districts — for infrastructure and economic development projects that create private sector jobs. The Port of Shelton received the $1.75 million CERB loan and is leasing the improved facility to Olympic Mountain Ice Cream.

    CERB is not a grant program for private businesses directly; it works through public partners like ports and economic development councils. The Port of Shelton model here is a good example of how it’s designed to work: the public entity takes on the CERB debt, improves an asset, and leases it to a private business, which commits to creating jobs in exchange for the favorable terms.

    For Mason County, the CERB financing keeps a homegrown company in the county that might otherwise have had to look at cheaper or more competitive real estate elsewhere in the Puget Sound region.

    The Port of Shelton’s Expanding Role

    The Port of Shelton, established in 1948, manages several distinct assets including Sanderson Field (a general aviation airport and industrial park on 1,200 acres) and the Johns Prairie Industrial Park. The Olympic Mountain Ice Cream partnership is consistent with the Port’s mission of attracting and retaining private sector employers in Mason County.

    For the Port, the project represents a low-risk deployment of CERB capital into an established local business with a proven product, an existing customer base of 300+ wholesale accounts, and a 40-year operating history in the county.

    Related: SR-3 Belfair Bypass secures $48.3M — another major Mason County investment in 2026

    Related: Mason County PUD 3 fiber expansion reaches 680+ Cloquallum homes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is the new Olympic Mountain Ice Cream facility located?

    The new facility is at 130 West Corporate Drive in Shelton, at the Port of Shelton. The building is a renovated Port-owned warehouse that Olympic Mountain Ice Cream is leasing under the CERB-financed partnership arrangement.

    When will the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream retail storefront open?

    The project was moving toward a March 2026 opening based on the original timeline. Check the company’s website at olympicmountainicecream.com or their Facebook page for the most current opening status and hours.

    What is the CERB loan and who receives the money?

    The Community Economic Revitalization Board is a Washington State program that provides low-interest loans to public entities for economic development projects. The Port of Shelton received the $1.75 million CERB loan — not Olympic Mountain Ice Cream directly. The Port used the funds to renovate the warehouse building, which it leases to the ice cream company. The arrangement ties the public investment to job creation commitments.

    How many jobs is the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream expansion expected to create?

    The project is projected to create 17 new permanent jobs over five years, nearly doubling the company’s current workforce of 18. These are food manufacturing and production positions in Shelton, Mason County.

    What does Olympic Mountain Ice Cream currently produce?

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream produces artisan ice creams, gelatos, and sorbets using Pacific Northwest-sourced ingredients including locally-grown berries and stone fruit. The company produces more than 50,000 gallons annually and serves over 300 active wholesale customers throughout the region.

    How long has Olympic Mountain Ice Cream been in business?

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream has been operating for over 40 years under the same family ownership, with roots in the Skokomish Valley near the Olympic Mountain foothills. It is one of the oldest artisan ice cream makers in the Pacific Northwest.


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  • NAVSTA Everett Advocacy: Snohomish County’s $340M Fight

    NAVSTA Everett Advocacy: Snohomish County’s $340M Fight

    Q: How is Snohomish County responding to the Naval Station Everett frigate cancellation?
    A: Snohomish County rebooted its Military Affairs Committee in early 2026 through the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County. The committee — which includes County Council member Nate Nehring and is supported by U.S. Representative Rick Larsen — is working proactively to advocate for new ship assignments and missions to replace the 12 Constellation-class frigates that were cancelled in November 2025.

    When Secretary of the Navy John Phelan announced the cancellation of the Constellation-class frigate program on November 25, 2025, the policy language was bureaucratic. The local impact was not. Snohomish County lost a promised economic commitment worth, by some estimates, hundreds of millions of dollars in long-term growth — and local leaders wasted little time organizing a response.

    Here’s how the county’s civic and political infrastructure is responding, what tools they have, and what it would actually take to replace what was lost.

    The Economic Alliance Takes the Lead

    The Economic Alliance of Snohomish County moved quickly to reboot the Snohomish County Military Affairs Committee, a public-private advocacy body that had previously gone somewhat dormant as the frigate program appeared to be on track. With the frigates gone, the committee’s mission became urgent.

    Ray Stephanson, the Economic Alliance’s president and CEO, framed the stakes plainly: “The assignment of the frigates would have cemented the base’s role as a key asset for the U.S. Navy. Their demise is very disappointing.” Stephanson’s organization has taken the lead on coordinating the county’s advocacy strategy, engaging with Navy Region Northwest leadership, the Washington State Congressional delegation, and economic development officials at both the county and state levels.

    Snohomish County Council member Nate Nehring (R-Arlington) has accepted an invitation to join the rebooted committee, adding an elected county voice to the advocacy effort and signaling that the response to the cancellation has bipartisan support at the local level.

    Congressional Advocacy: What Larsen Can Do

    U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, whose 2nd Congressional District includes NAVSTA Everett, has been a consistent advocate for the base throughout the frigate program’s troubled history. His office has communicated directly with Navy leadership about maintaining and growing Everett’s force assignments post-cancellation.

    Larsen’s position on the House Armed Services Committee gives him meaningful access to the Pentagon’s force structure planning process — not the ability to dictate ship assignments, but the ability to ask pointed questions, advocate for specific decisions, and ensure that NAVSTA Everett’s capabilities and strategic value are being considered when the Navy decides where to send future assets.

    The committee’s work — combined with Senator Patty Murray’s and Senator Maria Cantwell’s advocacy in the Senate — gives Washington State a reasonably strong congressional presence in the ongoing conversation about what comes next for the Pacific Fleet’s surface combatant homeporting strategy.

    The $340 Million Stakes

    The Navy’s own regional estimates put the total annual economic impact of military operations in Snohomish County at approximately $340 million. That number — which reflects the current base population of approximately 6,000 military personnel and 500 civilian employees — is the baseline that local leaders are working to protect and expand.

    The 12 frigates would have added to that baseline significantly. Each frigate crew typically numbers 130-150 sailors; multiply that by 12 ships, add family members, support contractors, and the housing and retail spending that military families generate, and the economic addition would have been substantial. The Military Affairs Committee’s immediate goal is to prevent erosion of the current $340 million baseline while pursuing opportunities to grow it through new assignments.

    What Replacing the Frigates Would Actually Require

    The Navy’s Pacific Fleet posture is undergoing significant reconfiguration in response to China’s maritime expansion and the strategic priorities outlined in successive National Defense Authorization Acts. That reconfiguration creates both risks and opportunities for NAVSTA Everett.

    The risks: the same force structure analysis that killed the Constellation program could lead the Navy to consolidate homeporting at fewer, larger bases with deeper industrial support infrastructure. NAVSTA Everett’s relative distance from the major Puget Sound shipyards in Bremerton is a factor in those calculations.

    The opportunities: the Navy is actively evaluating alternatives to the frigate program, including potential upgrades to existing destroyer assignments and next-generation surface combatant concepts. NAVSTA Everett’s deep-water piers, its proximity to Paine Field’s aerospace ecosystem, and its political support make it a credible candidate for expanded assignments if the county’s advocacy is sustained and well-coordinated.

    The Military Affairs Committee’s strategy — engaging proactively rather than reactively, building relationships before decisions are made rather than lobbying after — is the right approach. The outcome will depend on factors largely outside Snohomish County’s control, but the advocacy infrastructure is now in place.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Civic Dimensions of the NAVSTA Situation

    Q: What authority does the Snohomish County Military Affairs Committee actually have?
    A: The committee is an advisory and advocacy body, not a decision-making authority. Its influence comes from organizing community and economic arguments, engaging with the congressional delegation, and maintaining relationships with Navy Region Northwest leadership. It has no formal authority over ship assignments.

    Q: What does the City of Everett’s budget look like if NAVSTA Everett shrinks?
    A: The base itself is federal property and does not generate property tax revenue directly. The city’s economic interest in the base comes from the spending of military personnel and their families in Everett’s retail, housing, and service economy. Any reduction in base population would reduce that spending, but the connection is indirect.

    Q: Is there a BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) process that could threaten NAVSTA Everett?
    A: BRAC rounds require Congressional authorization; Congress has not authorized a new BRAC round as of spring 2026. No current legislation or Pentagon communication suggests NAVSTA Everett is a BRAC candidate. Local advocates monitor this issue continuously.

    Q: How does Snohomish County’s advocacy compare to what other military communities do?
    A: The rebooted Military Affairs Committee model is consistent with best practices for military community advocacy — most communities with major installations maintain active civilian committees that coordinate between local government, economic development organizations, and the congressional delegation. NAVSTA Everett’s advocacy infrastructure had gone dormant and is now being rebuilt.

    Q: What new ships or missions could realistically come to NAVSTA Everett?
    A: The Navy is evaluating its Pacific Fleet homeporting needs as it retires older cruisers and potentially accelerates DDG-51 destroyer production. NAVSTA Everett has the pier capacity to accommodate additional destroyers, and its location is well-suited to Pacific-oriented deployments. Specific ship assignments remain a Navy decision, subject to active advocacy.

    Related: Naval Station Everett’s Fight for Its Future After the Frigate Program Collapse | Everett Fights Back: Inside the Community Push to Secure NAVSTA’s Future | Sound Transit Everett Link Extension: Where the Project Stands in 2026

  • Everett Utility Tax: How the 12% Rate Impacts Water Bills

    Everett Utility Tax: How the 12% Rate Impacts Water Bills

    Q: Is Everett raising water bills in 2026?
    A: Everett is proposing to double its utility tax on water and sewer services from 6% to 12%, which would add approximately $10.74 per month to the average customer’s bill. The tax would affect roughly 670,000 people — about three-quarters of all Snohomish County residents — and is scheduled for three council readings beginning in April 2026, with a proposed July 1, 2026 effective date.

    Most utility tax proposals affect a city’s residents. Everett’s proposed doubling of its utility tax rate is different: because Everett’s water system serves roughly 670,000 people — approximately three-quarters of Snohomish County’s total population — the financial impact of this decision will land far beyond Everett’s city limits.

    Here is a plain-language breakdown of what is being proposed, why, what it will cost, and what happens next.

    What the City Is Proposing

    Since 1983 — more than four decades — Everett has charged a 6% “payment in lieu of taxes” (PILT) fee on its water and sewer utilities. The proposed change would eliminate that structure and replace it with a 12% utility tax, doubling the rate.

    Under state law, municipalities are explicitly permitted to levy utility taxes on their own utilities. Everett’s legal department determined that moving from the informal PILT structure to a formal utility tax aligns the city’s approach with both state law and the practice of most other Washington cities.

    The practical difference for customers is $10.74 per month on the average water bill. City Finance Director Mike Bailey described the mechanics to the Everett Herald in March: “Our tax will be embedded in wholesale water costs, and then other cities can do what they will with their utility taxes.” That embedding matters — it means communities that purchase wholesale water from Everett will see the tax added to what they pay, and those communities may then choose to layer their own local utility taxes on top.

    Why Everett Needs the Revenue

    The proposed tax is a direct response to a structural budget problem that Mayor Cassie Franklin addressed publicly during her March 2026 State of the City address: “We cannot cut our way to a sustainable future.” Everett faces a projected $14 million budget deficit heading into 2027 — a gap driven by the mismatch between rising demand for city services and relatively flat traditional revenue sources.

    The utility tax approach would generate approximately $7.5 million per year for Everett’s general fund, closing roughly half the deficit. The remaining ~$6.5 million gap has not yet been addressed by a specific, publicly announced proposal.

    Options the city has evaluated to address the full gap include regionalizing library or fire services with neighboring jurisdictions, and pursuing a targeted property tax levy lid lift — which would require voter approval. The utility tax is more politically straightforward because it does not require a public vote and can be implemented quickly if the council approves it.

    The Timeline: Three Readings, Then a Vote

    The council is expected to take three readings on the ordinance beginning in April 2026. Washington state law requires multiple readings for major ordinances, with the final vote typically occurring after the third reading. If approved, the tax would take effect July 1, 2026.

    There is no referendum process available to challenge a utility tax — once the council approves it, the rate change goes into effect on the stated date. Residents who oppose the increase can engage through public comment at council meetings prior to the final vote.

    Who Pays and How Much

    The $10.74 monthly figure applies to the average Everett direct water customer. The calculation is straightforward: if your current bill reflects a 6% fee embedded in the rate structure, the shift to 12% roughly doubles that embedded cost.

    The impact on customers of cities that purchase wholesale water from Everett is less predictable. Those communities receive the embedded tax in what they pay Everett; their own retail rates and utility taxes will determine what their residents ultimately see on bills. Snohomish County utilities from Lynnwood to Monroe, Marysville to Sultan rely on Everett’s wholesale water system, and all will be affected by the embedded rate change.

    Over 180,000 sewer customers in the Everett service area will also see the impact of the increased tax on their sewer charges.

    Low-Income Protections

    City officials have indicated they plan to expand utility payment assistance programs for income-qualified customers before the tax takes effect on July 1. As of publication, no specific details about the expanded assistance program have been released publicly — the timeline and eligibility thresholds are still being developed. Customers who currently receive utility assistance should monitor city announcements for updates on whether their assistance levels will be adjusted to account for the higher rate.

    The Broader Context: Snohomish County’s Budget Pressures

    Everett is not alone in navigating budget pressure. The state’s property tax levy limits, combined with inflation-driven cost increases in public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and human services, have created structural deficits in municipalities across Washington. The utility tax approach — available to cities under state statute, not subject to voter approval, and implementable quickly — is a tool that other Washington cities have used in similar situations.

    The scale of Everett’s water system — 670,000 customers, roughly three-quarters of the county — makes this particular decision unusual in its regional reach. Most city utility tax decisions are a local matter. This one is effectively a county-scale financial decision made by a single city’s seven-member council.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Everett Utility Tax Proposal

    Q: When will the Everett utility tax take effect?
    A: The proposed effective date is July 1, 2026, if the City Council approves the ordinance after its three required readings beginning in April 2026.

    Q: Does this require voter approval?
    A: No. Utility taxes in Washington state do not require a public vote. The City Council can approve the rate change through the standard ordinance process.

    Q: Why does the Everett utility tax affect people outside Everett?
    A: Everett’s water system serves approximately 670,000 people across Snohomish County — about three-quarters of the county’s total population. Communities that purchase wholesale water from Everett will see the increased tax embedded in their wholesale costs, which will flow through to retail customers.

    Q: How much will my water bill go up?
    A: The average Everett direct water customer would see a monthly increase of approximately $10.74. Customers of other utilities that purchase wholesale water from Everett may see different amounts depending on their local rate structures.

    Q: What is the City of Everett’s budget deficit and why does it exist?
    A: Everett faces a projected $14 million budget deficit heading into the 2027 budget cycle. The deficit reflects a structural gap between rising service costs (public safety, infrastructure) and relatively flat traditional revenue sources, including property tax revenues constrained by Washington state levy limits.

    Q: Will there be help for low-income customers?
    A: City officials have stated their intention to expand utility payment assistance programs for income-qualified customers before July 1, 2026. Specific eligibility details and assistance amounts have not been publicly announced as of April 2026.

    Q: What else is the city considering to close the budget gap?
    A: Options under evaluation include regionalizing library or fire services with neighboring jurisdictions, and a targeted property tax levy lid lift (which would require voter approval). The utility tax, if approved, would close approximately half the $14 million projected deficit.

    Related: Everett City Council Approves Fair Labor Ordinance 9-1: What It Means for City Contractors | Sound Transit Everett Link Extension: Where the Project Stands in 2026 | Everett’s New Police Chief Has a Plan — Here’s What’s Changing at EPD

  • North Mason Levy: How the April 28 Ballot Impacts Parents

    North Mason Levy: How the April 28 Ballot Impacts Parents

    For Mason County Parents: The North Mason School District replacement levy on the April 28 ballot determines whether athletics, arts, music, counseling, and after-school programs survive for the 2026–2027 school year. This is the district’s third attempt after failures in February and November 2025.

    The April 28 Levy Vote: What It Means for Your Child’s School Year

    If your child attends school in the North Mason School District, the April 28 special election matters directly to their upcoming school year. The replacement levy on the ballot funds the programs that go beyond what the state pays for — and after two levy failures, several of those programs have already been cut back.

    Which Programs Are on the Line

    The North Mason School District replacement levy would authorize up to $5,577,446 per year through 2029 to fund programs Washington’s basic education formula doesn’t cover:

    • Athletics: Middle school and high school sports programs
    • Arts and music: Elective programs across grade levels
    • Counseling services: School counselors providing academic and social support
    • Security staff: Campus safety personnel
    • After-school programs: Enrichment and extended day activities
    • Facilities: Community gymnasium roof replacement

    What Has Already Been Cut

    The February 2025 levy failure triggered approximately $4.5 million in budget cuts at the district. North Mason families have already seen reductions in athletics, arts, counseling staff, and after-school programming. A third failure in April 2026 would force further cuts for the 2026–2027 school year — district leadership has stated these would be more severe than the 2025 reductions.

    This Is the Third Vote on This Levy

    The North Mason School District has brought this replacement levy to voters in February 2025, November 2025, and now April 28, 2026. The levy is not a new tax — it replaces an expiring measure that previously funded these same programs. Each prior failure has led to cuts that students are currently experiencing.

    How to Cast Your Vote

    Your ballot was mailed April 7. Drop it at any official Mason County drop box (open 24/7 — find locations at masoncountywa.gov) or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot at VoteWA.gov.

    Last day to register: April 20. Questions? Contact the Mason County Auditor at 360-427-9670 ext. 468.

    For full ballot and election details, see our main coverage: North Mason School District Levy: Full Voter Guide. For Mason County civic news, see Mason County Government Update.

    Related: Full Mason County April 28 Election Voter Guide

    Frequently Asked Questions: North Mason Levy and Mason County School Programs

    What school programs does the North Mason levy fund?

    The levy funds middle and high school athletics, arts and music programs, counseling services, security staff, after-school programs, and facilities like the community gymnasium roof — programs the state’s basic education formula does not cover.

    What happened to North Mason school programs after the levy failed?

    The February 2025 failure led to approximately $4.5 million in budget cuts across the district, reducing athletics, arts, counseling, and support staffing. A third failure would trigger deeper cuts for the 2026–2027 school year.

    How much does the levy cost per household?

    The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value. On a $300,000 assessed home, that is approximately $384 per year, or roughly $32 per month.

    When do April 28 election results come out?

    Results are released after 8 PM on April 28, 2026, after ballot processing begins for the evening.

    Who can vote on the North Mason School District levy?

    Registered voters within the North Mason School District boundaries — which span parts of both Mason County and Kitsap County — received ballots for this measure.


  • North Mason Levy 2026: Property Tax Impact Explained

    North Mason Levy 2026: Property Tax Impact Explained

    For Mason County Property Owners: The North Mason School District replacement levy on the April 28, 2026 ballot would collect an estimated $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value annually through 2029. This is a replacement levy, not a new tax. Total annual collection: up to $5,577,446 across the district.

    The North Mason Levy and Your Property Tax: What the April 28 Vote Means

    For Mason County property owners, the April 28 special election brings a concrete question: what does the North Mason School District replacement levy mean for your tax bill, and what has already changed in the district since the levy funding lapsed after the February 2025 failure?

    The Numbers: What You Would Pay

    The replacement levy would authorize up to $5,577,446 per year collected from property owners within the district from 2026 through 2029. The estimated collection rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

    Estimated annual cost at common Mason County assessed values:

    • $200,000: approximately $256/year ($21/month)
    • $300,000: approximately $384/year ($32/month)
    • $400,000: approximately $512/year ($43/month)
    • $500,000: approximately $640/year ($53/month)

    This is a replacement levy — it renews an expiring measure, not a new tax layer. Property owners who were paying under the previous levy would see their rate continue at roughly the same level.

    School Quality and Property Values

    After the February 2025 levy failure and the resulting $4.5 million in cuts, the North Mason School District reduced athletics, arts, music, counseling, and after-school programs. A third consecutive failure in April 2026 would force further reductions for the 2026–2027 school year.

    School district quality is consistently among the top factors prospective homebuyers evaluate when assessing a community. The relationship between school funding and residential property values is well-documented in Washington state real estate markets.

    This Is the Third Attempt

    The levy failed in February 2025 and November 2025. April 28, 2026 is the third vote on this replacement measure. The district has operated under reduced funding since the first failure, absorbing cuts to programs that levy revenue previously supported. A third failure would deepen those cuts further.

    How to Vote

    Ballots were mailed April 7 and processing began April 13. Drop your ballot at any official Mason County drop box (locations at masoncountywa.gov) or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot at VoteWA.gov. Last day to register: April 20.

    For the full voter guide, see Mason County April 28 Special Election Coverage. For Mason County economic news, see Mason County Business Update.

    Related: Full Mason County April 28 Election Voter Guide

    Frequently Asked Questions: North Mason Levy and Property Taxes

    What is the North Mason School District levy rate in 2026?

    The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The levy would collect up to $5,577,446 per year from 2026 through 2029 from properties within the district boundaries.

    Is this a new tax or a replacement?

    This is a replacement levy — it renews an expiring measure rather than creating a new obligation. Property owners within the North Mason School District were already paying under the previous levy at a comparable rate.

    Does the levy apply if my property is in Kitsap County but within the school district?

    Yes. The North Mason School District covers portions of both Mason County and Kitsap County. Property owners within the district boundaries in either county are subject to the levy if it passes.

    What happens to school programs if the levy fails again?

    A third failure would force the district to implement additional cuts beyond the $4.5 million already absorbed after February 2025, affecting athletics, arts, counseling, security staffing, and after-school programming for the 2026–2027 school year.

    Where can I find Mason County drop box locations?

    Official drop box locations are listed at masoncountywa.gov. Boxes are open 24/7. You can also mail your ballot postmarked by April 28 or register and vote in person at the Mason County Auditor’s office on Election Day.


  • North Mason School Levy: Third Attempt on April 28 Ballot

    North Mason School Levy: Third Attempt on April 28 Ballot

    Civic Context: The North Mason School District replacement levy on the April 28, 2026 ballot has failed twice in 14 months — in February and November 2025. Each failure deepened cuts. The April vote is the district’s third attempt to restore this funding stream.

    North Mason’s Levy Has Failed Twice. April 28 Is the Third Attempt.

    For Mason County civic watchers, the April 28 special election is more than a routine levy vote — it’s the third chapter in a policy story that has reshaped the North Mason School District over the past 14 months.

    The replacement levy failed in February 2025. It failed again in November 2025. The district cut approximately $4.5 million following the first failure. Now, heading into a third election, the question is whether Mason County voters are prepared to restore the funding stream — and what a third failure would mean for public education in the North Mason region.

    How Washington’s Levy System Works

    Washington state’s school funding model pays for a defined “basic education” baseline. Programs and services outside that definition — athletics, arts, music, counseling, security staff, after-school programs, certain facility needs — must be funded locally through voter-approved levies.

    Replacement levies renew expiring authorization; they are not new taxes. When voters decline to renew, the district cannot substitute other funds. The programs either operate at reduced capacity or are eliminated.

    A Chronology of the North Mason Levy Battle

    • February 2025: First vote — levy fails. District responds with $4.5 million in cuts across athletics, arts, counseling, security, and after-school programs.
    • November 2025: Second vote — levy fails again. District continues operating under reduced budget heading into the 2025–2026 school year.
    • April 28, 2026: Third attempt. The levy would authorize up to $5,577,446 annually at $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed value through 2029. District leadership has stated that a third failure would require additional cuts beyond the current level for the 2026–2027 school year.

    What Makes This Pattern Unusual

    School levy failures of this duration are uncommon in Washington state. Most districts that bring replacement levies to voters see them pass on the first or second attempt. North Mason’s situation reflects a pattern of voter resistance that has emerged in several rural and semi-rural Washington communities since 2024, where skepticism about school spending levels has grown alongside property tax increases from other sources.

    The North Mason School District serves communities in both Mason County and portions of Kitsap County, meaning the vote outcome is shaped by two different county electorates.

    What Civic Watchers Should Watch For

    April 28 results will be released after 8 PM. Initial returns typically reflect mail-in ballots received before Election Day. If the levy fails a third time, watch for district budget discussions in the weeks following — the 2026–2027 school year budget process will need to begin with the assumption of no levy funding.

    Track results at masoncountywa.gov and via the Mason County Auditor at 360-427-9670 ext. 468.

    Full voter guide: Mason County April 28 Special Election Coverage. For broader Mason County government news, see SR-3 Belfair Bypass Funding and Commissioner Meetings.

    Related: Full Mason County April 28 Election Voter Guide

    Frequently Asked Questions: North Mason Levy History and April 28

    How many times has the North Mason levy failed?

    Twice — in February 2025 and November 2025. The April 28, 2026 vote is the third attempt. Each prior failure has led to budget cuts and program reductions across the district.

    What did the first levy failure cost the district?

    The February 2025 failure triggered approximately $4.5 million in budget cuts and staff reductions, affecting athletics, arts, music, counseling services, security staffing, and after-school programs.

    Why can’t the district use other funding to replace the levy?

    Washington state school funding has categorical restrictions. Levy revenue covers programs outside the state’s basic education formula — the district cannot legally redirect state education funds to replace voter levy revenue.

    What would a third levy failure mean for the 2026–2027 school year?

    District leadership has stated that a third failure would require additional cuts beyond the current $4.5 million level — likely more severe reductions affecting programs for the upcoming school year.

    Does the district serve only Mason County voters?

    No. The North Mason School District covers portions of both Mason County and Kitsap County. The April 28 levy vote involves registered voters within district boundaries in both counties.

    Where do official Mason County election results get posted?

    The Mason County Auditor releases results after 8 PM on Election Day at masoncountywa.gov. The Auditor’s office is at 360-427-9670 ext. 468.


  • North Mason School District Levy: April 28 Ballot Guide

    North Mason School District Levy: April 28 Ballot Guide

    April 28 Special Election: Mason County voters are deciding the fate of the North Mason School District replacement levy — the district’s third attempt after failures in February and November 2025. Ballots were mailed April 7. Return yours by April 28 or drop at any official Mason County drop box.

    North Mason School District Levy Is on the April 28 Ballot — For the Third Time

    Mason County voters have another chance to decide the future of their local public schools. The North Mason School District replacement levy is on the April 28, 2026 Special Election ballot — and for many residents, the stakes feel higher than ever.

    The levy failed in February 2025. It failed again in November 2025. A third consecutive failure would leave the district without any levy funding for the 2026–2027 school year and likely trigger cuts deeper than the $4.5 million the district already absorbed after the first failure.

    If you haven’t returned your ballot yet, here’s everything you need to know before April 28.

    What the Levy Does

    The North Mason School District replacement levy is a four-year renewal measure that would authorize the collection of up to $5,577,446 annually from 2026 through 2029. The estimated property tax rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026.

    This is not new money — it’s a replacement for an expiring levy. The funds cover programs and services the state’s basic education formula does not pay for, including middle and high school athletics, arts and music programs, elective course offerings, counseling services, security staff, after-school programs, and community gymnasium roof replacement.

    What Two Levy Failures Have Already Cost

    The February 2025 levy failure triggered approximately $4.5 million in budget cuts and staff reductions across the North Mason School District. Those cuts affected every program category funded by the levy — reduced athletics, scaled-back arts, fewer support staff in counseling and security roles.

    A third failure in April 2026 would mean the district goes without levy funding entirely for the upcoming school year. District leadership has indicated further reductions would be necessary — likely more severe than the previous round.

    Who Is Affected

    The North Mason School District serves communities in both Mason County and portions of Kitsap County. Registered voters within the district boundaries in both counties received ballots for this measure.

    How to Return Your Ballot

    Ballots were mailed to all registered voters on April 7, and ballot processing began April 13. Results will be available after 8 PM on Election Day, April 28.

    To return your ballot: drop it at any official Mason County drop box (open 24/7 — locations at masoncountywa.gov), or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot status at VoteWA.gov under “Your Ballot and Voting Materials.”

    For ballot questions, contact the Mason County Auditor at 360-427-9670 ext. 468 during business hours or 360-968-4131 after hours.

    Key dates: April 20 is the last day to register by mail or online. Same-day in-person registration is available at the Mason County Auditor’s office on Election Day.

    Related Mason County Civic Coverage

    For recent Mason County government decisions, see our coverage of the SR-3 Belfair Bypass $48.3M funding and Mason County Government Update.

    Related: Mason County Forest Festival 2026 — June 5–7 in Shelton

    Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County April 28, 2026 Special Election

    What is on the Mason County April 28, 2026 ballot?

    The primary measure is the North Mason School District replacement levy, which would authorize up to $5,577,446 annually from 2026 through 2029 to fund programs not covered by the state’s basic education formula — including athletics, arts, music, counseling, security staff, and after-school programs.

    How many times has the North Mason levy been on the ballot?

    The April 28, 2026 vote is the third attempt. The levy failed in February 2025 and again in November 2025. Each failure has resulted in budget cuts and program reductions at North Mason schools.

    What programs were cut after the first levy failure?

    The February 2025 levy failure led to approximately $4.5 million in district cuts, affecting athletics, arts, music, counseling services, security staffing, and after-school programs across the district.

    What is the North Mason levy tax rate?

    The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026. On a $300,000 assessed home, that is approximately $384 per year.

    How do I return my Mason County ballot?

    Drop your ballot at any official Mason County drop box (locations at masoncountywa.gov) or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot status at VoteWA.gov.

    When are April 28 election results released?

    Initial results will be available after 8 PM on April 28, 2026, once the Mason County Auditor begins processing returned ballots.

    What is the last day to register to vote for the April 28 election?

    April 20, 2026 is the last day to register by mail or online. Same-day voter registration is available in person at the Mason County Auditor’s office on Election Day.



  • Mason County Special Election: 2026 Ballot & Voting Guide

    Mason County Special Election: 2026 Ballot & Voting Guide

    April 28 Special Election: Mason County ballots were mailed April 7. Ballot processing begins April 13. Results will be available after 8 PM on April 28. The North Mason School District replacement levy is among the measures on the ballot.

    Mason County’s April 28 Special Election Is Underway — Here’s What You Need to Know

    If you’re a registered voter in Mason County, your April 28 Special Election ballot should already be in your hands. Ballots were mailed out on April 7, and Mason County began processing them today, April 13.

    Results will be available after 8 PM on Election Day, April 28. The Mason County Auditor’s office is handling all ballot questions — you can reach them at 360-427-9670 ext. 468 during business hours, or 360-968-4131 after hours.

    North Mason School District Replacement Levy

    The most consequential item for many Mason County residents is the North Mason School District’s replacement levy — the district’s third attempt to pass the measure after failures in February and November 2025.

    The levy would renew an expiring four-year measure, collecting up to $5,577,446 annually from 2026 through 2029 to fund programs and operations not covered by state basic education funding. That includes athletics, arts, music, counseling, security staff, and classroom support. The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026.

    Prior levy failures have already resulted in roughly $4.5 million in district budget cuts and staff reductions. A third failure would likely trigger further reductions for the 2026–2027 school year.

    Key Dates

    • April 7 — Ballots mailed to registered voters
    • April 13 — Ballot processing begins
    • April 20 — Last day to register to vote by mail or online
    • April 28 — Election Day; vote centers open until 8 PM; results after 8 PM

    How to Return Your Ballot

    Ballots must be received or postmarked by April 28. You can drop your ballot at any official Mason County drop box — locations are listed at masoncountywa.gov. To track your ballot status, visit VoteWA.gov and select “Your Ballot and Voting Materials.”

    Questions? Contact the Mason County Auditor at 360-427-9670 ext. 468 during business hours.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County April 2026 Election

    When is the Mason County Special Election?

    April 28, 2026. Results will be available after 8 PM. Ballot processing began April 13.

    What is on the Mason County April 28 ballot?

    The North Mason School District replacement levy is among the measures on the ballot. Check your specific ballot for all items in your district.

    How do I return my Mason County ballot?

    Drop it at any official Mason County drop box or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot at VoteWA.gov.

    What is the last day to register to vote in the April 28 election?

    April 20, 2026, by mail or online. Same-day registration is available in person at the Mason County Auditor’s office on Election Day.


    Related: North Mason Levy Voter Guide: Full Analysis

  • Everett Utility Tax: $10.74 Water Bill Increase Proposed

    Everett Utility Tax: $10.74 Water Bill Increase Proposed

    Everett residents and Snohomish County water customers could see their monthly bills increase by nearly $11 starting July 1, 2026, if the Everett City Council approves a proposal to double the city’s utility tax rate on water and sewer services.

    The proposal, which the council is expected to consider through three readings beginning in April, would replace the existing 6 percent “payment in lieu of taxes” (PILT) fee with a 12 percent utility tax on water and sewer. That change would raise approximately $7.5 million per year for the city’s general fund — closing about half of a projected $14 million budget deficit the city faces heading into 2027.

    What It Means for Your Water Bill

    For the average Everett water customer, the tax increase would add roughly $10.74 per month in additional charges. The city’s current 6 percent fee has been in place since 1983 — more than four decades without adjustment. City officials argue the updated structure better aligns with state law that explicitly allows municipalities to levy utility taxes.

    “Our tax will be embedded in wholesale water costs, and then other cities can do what they will with their utility taxes,” City Finance Director Mike Bailey told the Everett Herald in March.

    The change affects more than just city residents. Everett’s water system serves approximately 670,000 people — roughly three-quarters of all businesses and residents across Snohomish County. Communities that purchase wholesale water from Everett will see the tax embedded in what they pay Everett, and those cities may then choose to layer their own utility taxes on top of that wholesale rate.

    Over 180,000 sewer customers would also be affected.

    Why Everett Faces a $14 Million Gap

    The budget shortfall is not a sudden emergency — city officials have been working to address a structural revenue gap that grows as demand for services increases while traditional revenue sources remain flat. Mayor Cassie Franklin addressed the issue directly during her March 2026 State of the City address, telling residents: “We cannot cut our way to a sustainable future.”

    Options the city has evaluated to close the gap include regionalizing library or fire services and pursuing a targeted property tax levy lid lift. The utility tax approach has gained traction because it does not require voter approval, can be implemented relatively quickly, and taps into a revenue source the city’s legal department says is clearly permitted under Washington state law.

    The new tax would close approximately half the projected $14 million deficit. City officials have not yet publicly committed to a specific plan for closing the remaining gap.

    Low-Income Customer Protections

    City officials have indicated they plan to expand utility payment assistance programs for income-qualified customers before the tax takes effect. No details about the expanded program have been released publicly as of publication.

    What Happens Next

    The Everett City Council is expected to hold its first reading on the utility tax ordinance in April 2026. Under standard council procedure, an ordinance requires three readings before it can be voted on for final approval. If the council approves the measure on its current timeline, the 12 percent rate would take effect July 1, 2026.

    No council vote has occurred yet. Residents who wish to weigh in can attend council meetings held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Everett City Council Chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave., or submit comments through the city’s official website at everettwa.gov.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the current utility tax rate in Everett?
    The city currently charges a 6 percent fee described as a “payment in lieu of taxes” on water and sewer services. This rate has been in place since 1983.

    How much more will I pay each month?
    The city estimates the average customer will pay approximately $10.74 more per month if the 12 percent rate is approved.

    Do I have to be an Everett resident to be affected?
    No. Everett’s water system serves approximately 670,000 people across Snohomish County — roughly three-quarters of the county’s residents and businesses. If your community buys water from Everett, you may see the increase reflected in your bill.

    Does this require voter approval?
    No. A utility tax does not require a public vote. The Everett City Council has authority to approve it through the standard ordinance process.

    When would the new rate take effect?
    The proposed effective date is July 1, 2026, pending council approval.

    Will there be assistance for low-income customers?
    City officials have stated they plan to expand utility payment assistance programs before implementation, but details have not been finalized.

    How much money will this raise?
    The city projects the 12 percent utility tax would raise approximately $7.5 million annually toward the general fund.

    Why does Everett have a budget deficit?
    The city faces a projected $14 million budget shortfall in its 2027 general fund. Mayor Franklin has said the city cannot solve the gap through cuts alone and is pursuing new revenue strategies.

    Go Deeper: We’ve published detailed knowledge nodes expanding on this story for specific Everett audiences:

  • Everett Neighborhood Meetings: The New Districtwide Format

    Everett Neighborhood Meetings: The New Districtwide Format

    Quick Answer: Everett launched a new format for neighborhood engagement in February 2026, replacing individual association visits from city officials with annual districtwide meetings that bring all neighborhood groups in a council district together at once. The first meeting drew about 60 residents to the Cascade Boys and Girls Club in District 2, with Mayor Cassie Franklin, Police Chief Robert Goetz, and Council Member Paula Rhyne attending.

    Something shifted in how Everett connects with its residents this past February, and if you’re involved in any of the city’s neighborhood associations — or you’ve been meaning to get involved — it’s worth understanding what changed and why it matters.

    For years, city officials made the rounds by visiting individual neighborhood associations, showing up at separate meetings across all 19 groups scattered through Everett’s five council districts. It was well-intentioned, but it meant the same officials repeating the same updates dozens of times while different neighborhood groups often didn’t know what was happening two blocks away. The city piloted a new approach this year, and if it takes hold, it could genuinely change how engaged Everett residents feel in their own neighborhoods.

    What the New Format Looks Like

    On February 24, 2026, the city held its first districtwide neighborhood meeting at the Cascade Boys and Girls Club in District 2. Instead of sending officials out to individual neighborhood associations one at a time, the new model convenes all neighborhood groups within a single council district together in one room, once a year.

    About 60 residents turned out for that first meeting — not a massive crowd, but a meaningful one for a pilot format. Attending alongside neighbors from across District 2 were Mayor Cassie Franklin, District 2 City Council Member Paula Rhyne, and Police Chief Robert Goetz.

    The idea is simple: equitable engagement. Every neighborhood in a district hears the same information at the same time, from the same officials. Nobody gets the mayor’s visit and nobody gets left with just a staffer. The individual neighborhood associations still hold their regular meetings independently — this annual districtwide gathering is an addition, not a replacement.

    What They Actually Talked About

    The February meeting covered a lot of ground — these weren’t soft, feel-good topics. Officials addressed immigration enforcement response, housing policy, youth safety, traffic safety, economic development, and the city’s drones-as-first-responders program.

    Council Member Rhyne went into specifics about a significant challenge ahead: Everett is facing an anticipated $14 million general fund shortfall heading into 2027. Rhyne outlined potential paths to close that gap, including regionalizing library and fire services or implementing a targeted property tax levy increase for parks or public safety.

    Mayor Franklin added that if additional funding does materialize, the city intends to maintain and expand services — extending library hours was one specific example she mentioned.

    These are real conversations about real tradeoffs, held in a room with the people most affected by them. That’s exactly the kind of civic engagement Everett neighborhoods have asked for.

    Why This Change Matters for Neighborhood Life

    Everett has 19 active neighborhood associations spanning five council districts. They range in size and energy — some run robust programs, others are smaller groups that meet a few times a year. The challenge has always been making sure every neighborhood feels like it has a real channel to city leadership, not just the ones with the loudest voices or the most organized association leadership.

    The districtwide format addresses that in a couple of ways. First, it puts neighbors from different associations in the same room, which tends to surface shared concerns that individual groups might not realize are city-wide. Second, it makes city officials directly accountable to a broader cross-section of residents at once, rather than managing separate narratives with each group.

    Council Member Rhyne also mentioned preliminary work toward annexing southern Everett areas — a process that, if it happens, would likely span several years. That’s exactly the kind of long-horizon planning news that neighbors need to hear early, not after decisions are already made.

    What About Your Neighborhood Association?

    Your neighborhood association isn’t going anywhere. This new districtwide meeting is meant to complement, not replace, the regular work of neighborhood groups. If anything, it gives associations a better reason to stay active and connected — because now there’s an annual districtwide event where their voices contribute to a larger district-level conversation.

    Everett’s 19 neighborhood associations are:

    Bayside, Boulevard Bluffs, Cascade View, Delta, Evergreen, Glacier View, Harborview-Seahurst-Glenhaven, Holly, Lowell, Northwest, Pinehurst-Beverly Park, Port Gardner, Riverside, Silver Lake, South Forest Park, Twin Creeks, Valley View-Sylvan Crest-Larimer Ridge, View Ridge-Madison, and Westmont.

    If you’re not sure which association covers your block, the City’s Office of Neighborhoods keeps an updated map and contact list. You can reach them at (425) 257-7112 or nwebber@everettwa.gov, or visit everettwa.gov/neighborhoods.

    The Bigger Vision: One Everett

    Mayor Franklin has been using the phrase “One Everett” to describe her administration’s approach to the city. The districtwide neighborhood meeting format fits squarely into that framing — the idea that city leadership should be equally accessible across all neighborhoods, not just the ones that are easiest to reach or most organized.

    Whether this pilot format becomes permanent depends on how well it works. If turnout grows and the conversations it generates prove more productive than the old model, it seems likely to continue and expand. If you care about how your neighborhood connects to city government, showing up to the next one in your district is the most direct way to have a say in whether this experiment succeeds.

    How to Stay Informed

    Watch for announcements about upcoming districtwide meetings at everettwa.gov and through your neighborhood association. The city also offers email and text notifications for neighborhood-specific updates — you can subscribe on the city’s website. Your neighborhood association is often the fastest way to hear about these events, which is one more reason to stay connected to yours.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Everett’s new districtwide neighborhood meeting format?

    Instead of individual visits to each neighborhood association, city officials now host one annual meeting per council district that brings all neighborhood groups in that district together at once. The first pilot meeting was held February 24, 2026 in District 2.

    Does this replace regular neighborhood association meetings?

    No. Neighborhood associations continue to hold their regular independent meetings. The districtwide meeting is an annual addition to the existing system, not a replacement.

    How many neighborhood associations does Everett have?

    Everett has 19 active neighborhood associations spread across five council districts.

    How do I find my Everett neighborhood association?

    Contact the City’s Office of Neighborhoods at (425) 257-7112, email nwebber@everettwa.gov, or visit everettwa.gov/neighborhoods. There’s also an interactive map on the city website to find your council district.

    What topics were covered at the first districtwide meeting?

    The February 2026 District 2 meeting covered immigration enforcement response, housing policy, youth safety, traffic safety, economic development, the city’s budget situation, and the drones-as-first-responders program.

    Who attended the first districtwide neighborhood meeting?

    Mayor Cassie Franklin, Police Chief Robert Goetz, and District 2 Council Member Paula Rhyne attended, along with approximately 60 residents from neighborhood associations across District 2.