EVERETT, Wash. — Snohomish County council members want to hear the public’s thoughts about a proposed tax hike to pay for more deputies and public services.
Not all council members are for the increase, but County Executive Dave Somers says homeowners will either have a tax hike amounting to about $11.32 a year for the average home or there could be cuts somewhere else.
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Somers says Snohomish County needs five new deputies and a code enforcement officer.
County council members told our partners at the Everett Herald that though revenue is up, expenses are even higher, meaning without a tax increase, the county would start the year with a $3 million deficit just to keep services and staffing as is.
The Herald reports that hiring five additional deputies would cost about $925,000. Somers would also like new equipment at the sheriff's office and more services for veterans.
County Councilman Terry Ryan would like an urban planner to determine infrastructure needs.
The county is seeking about $3.5 million more or a four percent property tax increase.
For the county’s average home value of $336,000, that would be about an extra $11 to $12 a year for homeowners.
Some county council members argue between the new Sound Transit taxes and a school funding package, voters may be taxed out this year.
The council will be taking public input at the county council chambers in Everett at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Cox Media Group
