Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 Everett’s 2010 budget retains services The proposed budget eliminates raises for many city workers, but will add two positions to the police department. By Debra Smith Herald Writer EVERETT — Millions of dollars were cut and there was no cost-of-living raise for city employees. In a normal year, that description of Everett’s budget plan might be considered dismal. This year, it makes Everett a lot better off than many other area cities. Mayor Ray Stephanson presented a proposed 2010 budget to the Everett City Council, and now the public has two chances to weigh in before it’s approved. A public hearing is set for today’s 7 p.m. meeting, 3002 Wetmore Ave. and another is planned for a special meeting at 8:30 a.m. Monday in the same location. The mayor described the nearly $112 million operating budget as Spartan-lean, but he said the city won’t be reducing essential basic services. Public safety would remain the city’s top priority, Stephanson said. The city plans to add two officers, thanks to a federal grant. The city is moving forward with work to replace Fire Station 3 downtown. The city had to trim $6.6 million from its original 2009 budget because sales and business tax revenues are down. In order to balance the budget, officials want to postpone replacing some vehicles and re-pave fewer city streets, he said. Most city employees won’t receive cost-of-living bumps. They also plan to temporarily stop paying into the police and fire pension funds for a year. Even with that action, the city would still be on track to fully fund the pensions three decades ahead of schedule. Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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