City Chat Budget and property tax updates

Edmonds City Council has placed Proposition 1 on the Nov. 4 ballot, proposing a $14. 5 million property tax levy lid lift to address a significant budget deficit. This deficit results from a combination of stagnant revenue growth and rising costs, including a 39% increase in insurance expenditures. The proposed funding will support vital services such as police, parks, and essential infrastructure maintenance.

In addition to the levy, the city aims to secure $5 million in new non-property tax revenues to further support services. The levy amount is based on community priorities, legal service mandates, asset conditions, and regional funding comparisons. The city plans to hold three informational Town Hall meetings this fall, allowing residents to engage with city officials and ask questions regarding the budget and levy proposal. These meetings will take place in the Brackett Room at City Hall on specific dates in September and October. The outcome of this measure will determine the future level of public services in Edmonds.