EVERETT—Snohomish County Council Vice President Nate Nehring will be proposing a budget amendment to eliminate the 8% general property tax levy increase proposed in County Executive Dave Somers $3.07 billion 2025-26 biennial budget. The amendment eliminates the increase to the general property tax levy and makes corresponding cuts to expenditures in the budget.
“Taxpayers in Snohomish County have been burdened by ever increasing taxes in recent years,” said Council Vice President Nehring. “We can balance our County budget without tax increases while continuing to provide essential services our constituents expect. My amendment does just that by identifying cuts in unnecessary county spending to eliminate the need for a tax increase. Taxpayers have had to tighten the belt with regard to their own personal budgets and government ought to do the same.”
The Executive’s proposed 2025/2026 budget increases the County’s general property tax levy by the state-allowed 1% each year as well as taking banked capacity from previously deferred tax increases for a total increase of 8% over the biennium. Councilmember Nehring’s amendment removed budget increases over the previously budgeted levels and discretionary spending not connected to essential county government functions.
Councilmember Nehring’s amendment will be considered during the Council’s budget deliberations currently scheduled for Wednesday, November 13th at 10:30 AM. For more details about the Council’s meetings, visit the Council’s Meetings & Webcasts page.
For more information or questions, please contact Russell Wiita in Councilmember Nehring’s Office at russell.wiita@snoco.org.
SOURCE: Office of Snohomish County Councilman Nate Nehring