EVERETT, NOV. 8: The Everett City Council heard a briefing on the proposed 2025 budget and approved a wage theft ordinance proposed by Councilmember Paula Rhyne during this week’s council meeting.
Budget Briefing:
The city has to balance a $12.6 million general fund deficit for 2025. Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin gave her budget proposal in October, with 55 general fund positions being impacted.
The city must pass a balanced budget by the end of this year, according to city spokesperson Simone Tarver. In her proposal, the mayor said her priorities are public safety, quality of life, and investing in future projects.
In the proposal, 31 jobs citywide would be cut, and 24 others would see a reduction of hours or furloughs.
During this week’s budget briefing, city finance director, Heide Brillantes, went over changes to the government budget and how the 2025 proposal compares to the 2024 original.
The departments that will see the biggest impacts will be the library, street improvements and communication.
The highest decrease in funds is for street improvements, with roughly 23% or a little less than a quarter of funds in comparison to last year’s budget. In the proposal, they plan to reduce street overlay General Government contribution.
The library will see roughly a 12% decrease from 2024. This includes voluntary furloughs and reduced work weeks. Three positions would be reduced. The library board will have a meeting on Nov. 19 to decide what to do with the proposed cuts and reductions. Library hours of operation will most likely be reduced.
The Communications and Engagement Department will see an 11% decrease in budget compared to 2024. This includes reductions in hours for three positions.
Other departments either see a slight decrease or an increase to keep up with inflation costs and spending. One being in technology, where the city will need to update systems, Brillantes said.
Although the Police Department receives the largest expense in the general fund, the department could see a reduction in 7.5 full-time equivalent staff. The cuts are to balance increasing costs in overtime or other pay.
The Parks and Community Services Department will see five full-time equivalent employees reduced. Those five, all Park Ranger positions, opted for the Volunteer Separation Incentive Program. Rhyne said that the parks department has taken the “biggest hit” in the last 10 years.
A more in-depth article will be coming soon to address city budget changes. To view the briefing given during this week’s council meeting see here. To watch the budget committee meeting, see here.
The city is taking public comments until Nov.20, and the council is set to vote on the budget proposal on Dec.4.
Wage Theft Ordinance:
Council passed a bill initiated by Councilmember Rhyne strengthening the city’s policy regarding wage theft violators.
“The City of Everett has a proud history as a hardworking no-nonsense community,” Rhyne said in a statement. “In this tough economy and tight city budget, it’s important that we make sure that people who work on city contracts receive the wages that they have rightfully earned from their contractor.”
Wage theft is when an employee does not receive compensation for the work they have provided. The ordinance will build on current state law and extend the debarment period to five years for contracts with the city. It will also require a check by city staff to confirm responsible bidder status.
“Wage theft is a pressing issue that undermines the hard work and dedication of workers across this nation,” said Ethan Pfahl, Field Agent for LiUNA Local 292.
For more information on wage theft laws, see here.
In other news:
Mayors Comments:
Franklin congratulated Boeing Machinists on approving the latest contract, ending a strike that has lasted more than seven weeks.
“I am really grateful and happy that our machinists got a good contract and approved their contract with Boeing and that they’ll be able to get back to work in time for the holidays,” Franklin said.
Compass Health and Lombard:
Councilmember Rhyne shared that Compass Health will be joining the Health and Human Services committee meeting on Dec. 4 to address public safety concerns around Andy’s place.
Compass Health owns Andy’s Place, a permanent supportive housing building on Lombard. Resident concerns over the lack of involvement from Compass Health prompted the council to push for a public safety plan from the non-profit.
AquaSox Facility
A reminder that there will be an informational session about the Outdoor Multipurpose Facility Project from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the Weyerhaeuser Room at the Everett Station, 3201 Smith Ave, 4th Flr.
The project is a way to keep the Everett AquaSox in the city after Major League Baseball mandated new requirements for Minor League Baseball. The city has proposed two options. Either a remodel of Funko Field to expand into Everett Memorial Stadium or building a facility across from Angel of the Winds Arena.
Council president Don Schwab told the council that “Things will be accelerating rather quickly.”
