Lynnwood council wrestles to approve 2.7% COLA increase for non-union staff
LYNNWOOD—Facing a structural budget deficit that is still short approximately $3.1 million, Lynnwood City Council members are wrestling with whether to grant non-represented (GSO) city employees the same 2.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) the City is being asked to approve for its unionized AFSCME employees. Human Resources Director Annie Vandenkooy urged the City Council on Monday, […]
Merry ‘Tax’-mas: Lynnwood approves millions of dollars in new taxes and fees
LYNNWOOD—New single-family home construction will jump at least $9,652 (minimum of $72,114 for multi-family dwellings) for one-time water and sewer connection fees for a homeowner or developer in Lynnwood, along with a 15% property tax rate increase and a 67% utility tax increase for existing residents following approvals by the Lynnwood City Council at its […]
Lynnwood proposed property tax hike sparks heated council debate
LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood City Council continued its conversation on its Budget, which included 2025 mid-biennial budget amendments and a proposed 2026 property tax levy, in addition to municipal code changes, at its Business Meeting held Monday, November 17. Mid-Biennium Budget Review Amendments The first agenda item was to review mid-biennial budget amendments. As required by state […]
Lynnwood Times election interview: Candidate Bryce Owings
LYNNWOOD—With ballots beginning to mail out, and the November 4 General Elections just a little over two weeks away, Lynnwood Times Senior Reporter Kienan Briscoe sat down with Lynnwood City Council candidate Bryce Owings to hear where he stands on certain topics the city is currently facing. Bryce Owings, is a foreman, certified journeyman carpenter, […]
Here’s where Lynnwood spent its $10.9 million in ARPA funds
LYNNWOOD—The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law on March 11, 2021, by President Joe Biden, provided $350 billion through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to support recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Cities with populations under 50,000, such as Lynnwood, received funds through state […]
Lynnwood now facing $10.7 million budget shortfall, mayor proposing layoffs
LYNNWOOD—At its Business Meeting on Monday, July 28, the Council adopted revisions to its Council Rules of Procedure, approved an $800,000 settlement with Marshbank Construction, and further discussed the City’s, now $11 million, budget crisis. Revisions to Resolution 2024-08 Council Rules Below is a summary of proposed changes to the Council Rules of Procedure that […]
Hurst calls for new Citizen Action Committee, alleges Mayor’s faulty budget plunges Lynnwood into financial crisis
The Lynnwood City Council’s primary responsibility is to protect the economic stability of the City’s government. As the current Chair of the Lynnwood City Council Finance Committee, I am responding to the Mayor’s public comments regarding Lynnwood’s budget deficit in 2025. The Mayor has said,” like many jurisdictions across the Country, Lynnwood is experiencing a […]
Lynnwood Council proposes new rule changes that financially benefit itself while budget crisis talks resume
LYNNWOOD—At its upcoming Business Meeting on Monday, July 28, the Council is to vote on revisions to its Council Rules of Procedure and further discuss the City’s budget crisis. The upcoming 6 p.m. Business Meeting can be attended in person at City Hall or watched virtually via Zoom or Livestream. Public comments are limited to […]
Lynnwood’s $9.3 million budget crisis: All options are on the table
LYNNWOOD—Lynnwood Finance Director Michelle Meyer and Committee Chair George Hurst reviewed the City’s 2nd Quarter 2025 Financial and Sales Tax reports on Wednesday, July 23. The City is now projecting a $5.1 million shortfall in the General Fund through second quarter in addition to an already projected $4.2 million deficit. In a memo, Mayor Christine […]
Lynnwood’s revenue is taking a nosedive, not helping the city’s multi-million-dollar deficit
LYNNWOOD—Things aren’t looking good for the City of Lynnwood’s finances, Finance Director Michelle Meyer reported Monday, July 21, a $5.1 million shortfall between General Fund revenues and expenditures through second quarter. This is in addition to the city’s already projected $4.2 million deficit. “We’re going through some difficult times,” said Mayor Frizzell before reading a […]
