June 3 Edmonds City Council meeting covers budgets, levies, housing and more

At the June 3 Edmonds City Council meeting, officials confronted an $8 million budget deficit for 2026, leading to a resolution aimed at documenting potential cuts. Council President Neil Tibbott expressed that the resolution, while complete, lacked emotional context around the impacts of budget cuts. The council debated various revenue-generating ideas, though a proposal to include these in the resolution failed. Mayor Mike Rosen outlined three levy lid lift scenarios, with the most ambitious proposing a $19 million increase to sustain city services. Councilmember Jenna Nand questioned the realism of the proposed figures, highlighting the recent rejection of similar levies in neighboring cities.

The council must decide by August 5 whether to advance a levy for the Nov. 4 ballot, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the city's financial situation. Councilmember Vivian Olson stressed the need for immediate discussions rather than waiting for the election outcome. This meeting reflects the city's critical financial decisions impacting future services and community priorities.