Politics
Everett’s $766 million spending plan would preserve city staffing and public safety programs
Mayor Cassie Franklin’s proposed budget for next year keeps funding for 220 police officer positions and maintains city services, while raising the possibility of a new sales tax to support public safety. The plan totals nearly $766 million, including $204 million for general government.
EVERETT, Wash. — Mayor Cassie Franklin has proposed a nearly $766 million budget for next year that she says would avoid cuts to city services and staff while sustaining public safety programs. The proposal could also include a new sales tax to help pay for public safety, though the city has not specified a rate or how much revenue it would raise.
The budget includes $204 million for general government services. It would maintain funding for 220 police officer positions, continue fire and emergency medical services, and add capacity for municipal court and emergency management, according to the mayor’s office.
Franklin said the tax increase would be difficult but called it the best available option for protecting and building on public-safety efforts. The proposal also continues funding for Everett’s alternative response program, which the mayor said has served more than 2,200 people this year and responded to more than 800 active 911 calls without police or emergency medical services.
Franklin described the plan as fiscally responsible and said it would maintain city reserves. The proposal’s next steps and any details about the potential sales tax were not included in the announcement.