Budget & Property Tax Levy
The City of Edmonds continues to face an unprecedented and significant budget deficit. The city has cut staff and programs, deferred repairs, used its reserves, borrowed internally and pursued additional revenue sources. The core issue is structural: revenue has not kept pace with inflation.
No individual or singular decision caused this issue. And no singular action can fix the situation. It didn’t happen in a single year, and it will take several years to fix. Public input is critical to determining the way ahead. See our set of Frequently Asked Questions below.
Council Review of Levy Lid Lift
The City Council is considering putting on the fall ballot a $14.5 million levy lid lift -- a property tax levy for Police, Parks, Planning, Streets and Sidewalks. In addition, this spring, the council has discussed $5 million in non-property tax revenue sources. See presentation here.
Community Workshops
The city also held community workshops on May 22 to present three property tax levy scenarios, highlight what the city has heard from residents, and discuss additional revenue ideas. See the workshop presentation.
What the City of Edmonds has done to address the issue:
- Budgeting by priority
- Community engagement
- Reduction of expenses by $8 million
- Increased revenue through activities outside of property tax
Budget & Levy Lid Lift Process
May 22 – Public Budget Workshop
May/June – Public Comment Opportunities at Council Meetings
June 3 - City Council Review of Scenarios
June 5 - Special Meeting of the City Council
June 17 - Council asks for Drafting of Levy Resolution
July 1 - Public Hearing on Levy Lid Lift
Upcoming Meetings & Milestones
July 8 – Potential Adoption of Resolution to put Levy Lid Lift on November Ballot
July 15 – Pro/Con applicants Published in Council Packet
Aug. 5 – Levy Lid Lift Filing Deadline for November Ballot
Nov. 4 – General Election
We Want Your Input!
Send comments to: Edmonds City Council