Edmonds Council votes to move 14.5 million levy lid lift forward

The Edmonds City Council voted 5-2 to advance a $14. 5 million levy lid lift aimed at addressing a $13 million budget deficit, with a final vote scheduled for July 8. This six-year measure, known as Proposition 1, specifies funding for police, parks, planning, streets, and sidewalks, responding to residents' concerns about previous vagueness in funding allocations. Public comments during the meeting ranged from support for community investment to concerns about the financial burden on homeowners, particularly seniors and low-income residents. Mayor Mike Rosen reiterated the importance of transparency in expenditure tracking.

Some council members expressed reservations about the size of the levy, suggesting a smaller amount might be more acceptable to voters. Councilmember Vivian Olson defended the larger number, citing long-standing financial challenges since 2008. The proposed rate is $1. 65 per $1,000 of assessed property value, with provisions for low-income senior and disabled homeowners. The council aims to finalize amendments before presenting the measure to voters in November.