Everett shoppers could see their sales tax rate tick up to 10% as soon as this fall, with the Snohomish County Council holding a public hearing Wednesday, Aug. 12, on a proposed 0.1% criminal justice tax that would add a dime to every $100 in taxable goods.
That's an extra penny per cup of coffee.
The same day, the Everett City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. for its first regular session since the Aug. 4 primary election. The agenda includes final votes on the Langus Pier Removal project, a new gazebo at Harborview Park and a public hearing to formally close out the city's Everett 2044 comprehensive plan update.
County tax: what it means for Everett wallets
The Snohomish County Council scheduled its public hearing on Ordinance 26-030 for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Jackson Board Room, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., 8th floor. Residents can also join via Zoom (Meeting ID 948-4685 0772).
The ordinance would impose an additional one-tenth of one percent sales and use tax dedicated to criminal justice under RCW 82.14.345. Revenue must first maintain or increase law-and-justice services. Everett's combined rate currently sits at 9.9%. If adopted, it rises to 10%.
As we reported Aug. 5, the county council advanced the measure after adopting three amendments. Councilmember Nehring moved to schedule the Aug. 12 hearing at the July 8 session; the motion passed 5-0.
Everett City Council: pier removal, gazebo, comp plan
The city's preliminary agenda, posted Aug. 6, lists three ordinances on third and final reading:
- CB 2607-39 establishes rules for using city-owned real property for public benefit purposes.
- CB 2607-40 creates a $128,000 fund for engineering design of the Langus Pier Removal.
- CB 2607-41 creates a fund for the Turnbull Gazebo at Harborview Park, paired with a $41,030 architecture contract with 2812 Architecture.
The council will also hold a public hearing on a resolution declaring the Everett 2044 periodic update complete. The city adopted its updated comprehensive plan in June 2025 and critical area regulations in April 2026; state law requires a separate resolution to formally close the process.
Other consent items include accepting a $1.2 million federal Safe Streets for All grant, a WSDOT Sandy Williams Grant for the Evergreen Way Corridor Safety and Connectivity Plan, a $102,811 reimbursement from the Washington Military Department and a production agreement with Mulholland Media for the Everett Police Department's participation in the TV show "Police 24/7."
Parks committee meets first
The Parks and Built Environment Committee, chaired by Councilmember Rhyne with Councilmembers Burbano and Zarlingo, meets from 5 to 6 p.m. in the same chambers. Staff will brief the committee on a lot-splitting ordinance update and an economic development update.
Post-primary context
Wednesday's council session is the first since Everett voters approved the city's EMS levy lid lift with 74.9% support on Aug. 4. That measure restores the EMS rate to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value for 2027 and 2028, adding an estimated $80 per year to a typical property tax bill. Mayor Cassie Franklin said on election night, Aug. 4, that the result "invests in quality services that Everett families need if they experience a crisis."
How to weigh in
- In person: City Council Chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave., 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
- Remotely: Register at everettwa.gov/speakerform at least 30 minutes before the meeting.
- Written comments: Email [email protected] or mail to 2930 Wetmore Ave., Suite 9A, Everett, WA 98201.
- Watch live: YouTube.com/EverettCity or everettwa.gov/citycouncil.
