Lynnwood Homeowners Face 52% Property Tax Increase in 2025

Lynnwood residents are set to face a 52% property tax increase in 2025, following a narrow 4-3 vote by the city council. This increase will result in an average additional cost of $144 per homeowner, aimed at addressing a budget shortfall due to the end of temporary COVID-19 relief funds. Mayor Christine Frizzell and her supporters argue that the increase is essential for maintaining vital city services and funding positions previously supported by grants. However, dissenting council members, including President George Hurst, have raised concerns about the financial strain on residents and criticized the lack of proposed budget cuts. The decision has sparked a heated debate, with suggestions to utilize unused funds from other departments to alleviate the tax increase.

Councilmember David Parshall emphasized that public safety funding is the top concern for residents, linking the tax increase to their requests for enhanced services. Lynnwood has committed to conducting an efficiency study in 2025 to ensure tax dollars are used wisely. This tax increase reflects broader economic challenges, as Washington faces a projected multi-billion dollar budget gap.