There was very little public participation during the open public comment portion of the City Council budget hearings.
The Everett City Council Wednesday night unanimously approved Mayor Ray Stephanson’s proposed 2016 operating budget, totaling just under $500,000,000.
Stephanson highlighted several 2016 investments during his annual budget address to Council in late October. He also pointed to signs of a recovering economy in Everett.
“In 2016 we expect to finally exceed our prior revenue peak of 2008, with total estimated revenue at $127 million,” Stephanson said in his address. In particular, the City has seen growing revenues from retail sales and construction activity related to major developments underway.
The 2016 budget includes more than $2 million in investments for Streets Initiative efforts, including the $1 million comprehensive Safe Streets plan the Mayor announced in September. The City has committed to housing 20 of Everett’s chronically homeless individuals in 2016, and will also create a dedicated unit in the police department to address street issues, which will include two full-time embedded social workers.
“Streets issues continue to demand our focus and compassion, while simultaneously straining our resources,” Stephanson said in October. The new funding allocation in 2016 will support “a comprehensive plan to help keep our community safe and provide a path forward for our most vulnerable citizens.”
The 2016 budget also includes funding for several public works and parks projects, including the Grand Avenue Park Bridge, a freight mobility project on Rucker Avenue and Marine View Drive, field replacements at Kasch Park and a new permanent restroom at Wiggums Hollow Park. The City will also use revenue generated by the newly established Transportation Benefit District to cover increasing street maintenance costs and address the backlog from the recession.
For the complete 2016 budget, visit https://everettwa.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=431.
December 3, 2015
Everett, Everett Government