SNOHOMISH COUNTY—A week after a damning audit report by George Skiles, Partner at Sjoberg-Evanshenk Consulting, County Executive Somers stands firm and clears the air on his proposed 2025 Biennial Budget.
Below is a statement by Snohomish County Executive Somers in its entirety:
“As budget deliberations continue, my priority remains sustaining core county services that deliver for our residents. A number of amendments have been brought forward during the County Council’s deliberation and public hearing process, and I need to see what the Council approves before making any decisions about next steps. However, I do believe additional revenue is essential for the 2025-26 biennial budget to sustain the services our community rightfully expects.
“My proposed budget does not add or remove programs. We are striving to hold steady in the coming biennium, despite a systemic budget shortfall as revenues fail to keep pace with rising costs. Snohomish County has a track record of making the most with limited resources, and I am mindful of the impact any increase in the county’s property tax levy could have on people.
“What I’ve proposed in my budget would amount to less than one-half of one percent (<.05%) increase on a taxpayer’s total property tax bill. The 8 percent number that has been frequently quoted misrepresents the proposal. The increase that I have proposed only applies to a small portion of each property tax dollar – the approximately six cents of each dollar that funds county government. The other 94 cents go to the state, your schools, special districts like fire, libraries, sewer, and others. The exact breakdown varies some based on other levies where you live, but they are all listed on your property tax bill. The other approximately 94 cents of your tax dollar are not impacted by the proposed county increase.
“Our Finance department did the math to help us understand the potential impact to taxpayers in dollars: On an average-valued home in Snohomish County, this proposed increase would amount to $2 more per month or $24 more a year in property taxes in 2026 compared to 2024.
“It is important for people with concerns about taxes to have their voices heard. And we do hear them. I believe that $24 more a year by 2026 is a reasonable amount to seek so we can avoid reducing government services, in particular in our law and justice agencies.
“If a budget is passed that does not include additional revenue, we will face staff cuts in the near and long term. And with more than 75% of the proposed budget dedicated to public safety, those cuts will inevitably be felt in this vital area of county responsibility.
“I stand by my proposed budget and by the hard-working employees of Snohomish County. A $2 per month increase in property taxes would preserve jobs and public services.”
Author: Mario Lotmore
