Mayor’s budget boosts spending
Published 10:59 pm Wednesday, October 31, 2007
EVERETT — The city’s police and fire departments stand to see modest 5 percent gains in their budgets next year, while the city’s spending for parks and library services will likely stay flat.
Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson on Wednesday unveiled his 2008 operating budget, which follows months of in-house negotiations that begin when department managers present their wish lists to the mayor in June.
Overall, the $492 million budget is up $56 million from the 2007 proposal and $90 million above the 2006 budget.
“While the 2008 revenue forecast reflects our current expectations for a strong income, we maintain our practice of fiscal responsibility in the 2008 expenditure budget,” said Stephanson, a former phone company executive who said he brings fiscal conservatism to the office.
The City Council is scheduled to discuss the budget again at a public hearing next week.
On Wednesday, Stephanson gave an upbeat speech to the council, saying a strong economy bodes well for the city. He noted federal government investments at Naval Station Everett, the city’s ongoing partnership with Boeing Co. and the city’s support of a robust health care community that includes the new Providence Regional Cancer Partnership and expansions at Providence Everett Medical Center and the Everett Clinic.
He also cited the city’s “prudent fiscal policies” for a recent upgrade of Everett’s bond debt by Standard &Poor’s to an AA- from an A+ rating. This means the city will likely pay lower rates to insure its debt.
The bond rating agency also rated the city’s financial management practices as “strong,” which is the highest designation possible under its financial management assessment program.
The city made strides in 2007, retiring bond debt on the Wall Street Building, Fire Station 4 on Glenwood Avenue, Fire Station 2 on 16th Street, and Everett Station. The city in 2008 is on pace to pay off Fire Station 7 at Silver Lake, the Everett Performing Arts Center, senior housing bonds and the main library expansion, he said.
“It’s just like when you get your car payment or mortgage paid off,” said Stephanson. “It’s a big deal.”
Copies of the proposed 2008 budget can be reviewed at the city clerk’s office, 2930 Wetmore Ave., Suite 1-A, during regular business hours. The proposal can also be reviewed online at the city’s Web site.
The council meets next Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. in the City Council Chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave., Everett. The public will also have an opportunity to weigh in.
In other city business, the council voted 6-1 Wednesday to approve extending medical coverage to employees’ domestic partners. The new city insurance police applies to both heterosexual and homosexual couples who live in committed relationships. City Councilman Arlan Hatloe was the lone no vote.
Reporter David Chircop: 425-339-3429 or dchircop@heraldnet.com.
Everett’s proposed 2008 budget
Total budget: $492 million
Total projected general fund revenue: $114 million
Number of city employees: 1,175
Details at a glance
Police department: $24.9 million
Fire department: $17.5 million
Parks and recreation: $8.5 million
Engineering and public services: $5.5 million
Library: $4.6 million
Legal department: $3.7 million
Budget meetings
The Everett City Council is scheduled to review the 2008 budget proposal at its meetings on Wednesday and Nov. 14. Residents are encouraged to comment during the meetings. The council meets both days at 8:30 a.m. at City Council chambers, 2930 Wetmore Ave.
