Ordinance 861 passes by slim margin despite divisions at Mondays Burien City Council meeting

The Burien City Council passed Ordinance 861, ensuring permanent provisions for temporary homeless shelters offered by religious organizations, despite a narrow 3-2-2 vote. The ordinance encompasses various shelter types, including tiny homes, which are currently limited to one year of operation. Deputy Mayor Sarah Moore's proposal to extend the tiny home duration to three years was rejected. Furthermore, the council voted to place a renewal of the Medic One/Emergency Medical Services Levy on the November ballot, as the existing levy will expire in 2025. This renewal is crucial for sustaining emergency response capabilities in Burien, where there were over 255,000 911 calls in 2024.

The new levy is expected to decrease the rate per $1,000 of assessed property value, though homeowners may see increased costs due to rising home values. Additionally, the council expressed support for pursuing a new public safety levy aimed at enhancing community safety, as public safety remains a primary concern for residents. A formal decision regarding this levy will be made by the end of June, with Pro & Con committees being established for ballot statements.