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.
Council Review of Levy Lid Lift
During its June 17 meeting, the City Council directed the city attorney to draft a levy lid lift resolution. The levy amount will be determined at a future council meeting. At meetings earlier in June, the City Council focused on a scenario that would fund levels of service that meet the city’s operational and maintenance needs and the expectations of the community. The council also discussed 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. Mayor Mike Rosen, City Councilmembers, and staff participated in the workshops to answer questions and take input from residents and businesses. 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
Three Budget Scenarios
Scenario 1: Voters approve a November 2025 Levy Lid Lift, in the amount of around $6 million, as was included in last year’s budget. This scenario requires decreased service levels, deferred maintenance and ongoing financial strain.
Scenario 2: We identify the optimal levels of service that meet both our city’s needs and the expectations of our community. We then calculate the costs and ask voters to approve the funding necessary to provide those services. See the 2024 Community Survey.
Scenario 3: We identify the impacts if a levy lift fails, or Council does not place one on the ballot. This would involve significantly deeper cuts to city services.
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
Upcoming Meetings & Milestones
July 1 – Public Hearing on Levy Led Lift
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