EDMONDS — Mayor Mike Cooper has called for a $2.26 million levy to be put before the voters on the Aug. 16 ballot.
Financial projections peg the city’s budget falling below the council-mandated, one-month reserve in 2012. Without boosting revenue, the city could slip into the red by 201
5.
“Council needs to feel that pressure,” Cooper said.
If there is no levy, or if one does not pass, Cooper plans to slash the 2012 budget to compensate and maintain that reserve.
“The time has arrived to allow our voters to decide the future of this city,” he said. “The clock has run out, now it is time to send this to the ultimate decisionmakers, the people of Edmonds.”
Cooper proposes a property tax increase of 35 cents per $1,000 assessed value over a four-year period. That would add $140 annually to the property tax bill of an Edmonds resident with a $400,000 home, the average home value in the city.
Cooper intends the boosted revenue to be directed at crime prevention, street maintenance and parks projects.
Council President Strom Peterson said the levy will be part of council discussions every other week through May.
“This is an important first step in getting us talking about a levy. We have limited time to make a decision and get a levy on the August ballot.”
The levy proposal is a good starting point, Peterson said.
“Personally, I would like to look at opportunities to fund some economic development items that could include the arts to bring tourism dollars to Edmonds.”
Cooper’s proposal focuses on actions that will begin the rebuilding process, including reinstituting the city’s crime prevention program and filling a police officer position that is currently unfilled. The levy would also earmark $704,000 for street maintenance, half of what the city needs, according to Cooper; and $102,000 for parks funding to cover revenue shortfalls associated with Yost Pool, the city’s flower program and general facilities maintenance.
Passing a levy also sets the stage for the council to develop a long-term financial plan.
“Getting this levy in place will give a chance to see where we are headed and evaluate the economy,” Cooper said. “This levy does not answer all of our needs, and we don’t know what the state Legislature may do to impact our budget.”
Edmonds stands to lose up to $500,000 in funds should some revenue not pass through the state to the city.
To qualify for the August primary ballot, the city must approve the levy request by May 24. The cost associated with putting a measure on that ballot will depend on the number of other races and issues on the ballot. The total cost to administer the ballot is $200,000.
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