On Tuesday, Sept. 1, I presented my 2027-28 recommended budget to the Snohomish County Council.
This is the tenth time I have recommended a county budget as Executive. With every budget, I have always committed to one thing: helping build a future for this region where everyone can thrive. That means we create the future we choose, not allow circumstances to dictate what happens to us.
Reflecting on my past experiences, this has been one of the hardest budget cycles due to rapid inflation, a long-standing structural deficit, and limited revenue tools available to counties. But we are not alone in the fiscal challenges we face. Cities, counties, and the state are all facing similar pressures.
The fiscal pressures we face do not – and must not – change our obligations to the public. We provide foundational services for residents, businesses, visitors, and our fellow government agencies.
It is an honor to serve the residents of Snohomish County. I’ve seen firsthand how county government is integral to the systems our residents rely on every day. We provide regional services that are not provided by anyone else. And we provide urban services in unincorporated areas.
Our departments, offices, and courts have duties unique to each of them, but there is no doubt that we need one another. We are strongest in the areas where we’ve woven as many threads together as possible to create something meaningful. Before you cut one thread, you must be aware of how it connects to others. If it’s the wrong thread, the entire tapestry could unravel.
I have recommended a balanced county budget for the upcoming biennium that addresses key public priorities and takes advantage of opportunities for change. I am making strategic recommendations to protect areas that have started to fray, while making targeted cuts that won’t unravel the system.
We cannot make this budget about silos and pitting people against each other. We must focus on strategic decisions to serve the entire county.
I want to sincerely thank all the county staff, leaders, and community partners who have been involved in helping shape a thoughtful, sustainable, and responsible budget recommendation.
I encourage all county residents to stay informed and involved. The Snohomish County Council has set its community forum for 6 p.m. on October 7.
The budget address is available to watch in full online.
By: Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers
COMMENTARY DISCLAIMER: The views and comments expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Lynnwood Times nor any of its affiliates.
Author: Lynnwood Times Contributor
