Front Porch
Published 1:30 am Thursday, November 28, 2019
HEADS UP
Thanksgiving closures
Thanksgiving is a federal holiday. Expect schools and federal, state and local government offices to be closed, as well as many businesses. Public transit will be running on holiday schedules. Plan accordingly.
Mill Creek raises property and EMS taxes
The Mill Creek City Council voted 6–1 to levy a 1 percent regular property tax increase, with council member Vince Cavaleri casting the lone opposing vote.
The tax increase will bring in an additional $62,897 in revenue for the city. The total property tax levy contributes $6.4 million to the city.
The council also voted unanimously to raise the Emergency Medical Services tax by 1 percent, generating another $17,093. The EMS tax brings in a total of $1.75 million.
Combined, the two tax levies make up 56 percent of the city’s general fund. The bulk of the property tax goes toward the Everett School District, libraries, transit, the county and the state.
The property tax levies will be included in the mid-biennial budget adjustments, which are slated for council approval on Dec. 3.
OPPORTUNITIES
Lake Stevens needs a councilmember
The city of Lake Stevens is requesting letters of interest from people willing to serve on the City Council to fill an unexpired term held by council member Brett Gailey, who has been elected to become the city’s next mayor.
Gailey’s resignation is effective Dec. 16. The term of the new council member will expire Dec. 21, 2021.
Those interested in serving must reside within Lake Stevens city limits and be a registered voter. The council will interview candidates on Dec. 17.
The city operates under a strong mayor form of government. The seven-member City Council serves as the legislative body of the city, and is responsible for setting policy, adopting the annual budget, passing laws, determining the services that will be provided and the funding levels for those services, and appointing citizens to advisory boards and commissions.
People interested in serving should send a letter of interest and any other materials they deem pertinent for the council to review to City Clerk Kathy Pugh at P.O. Box 257, Lake Stevens, WA 98258. Letters may also be emailed to kpugh@lakestevenswa.gov.
All letters must be received by 5 p.m. Dec. 6.
2020 Census Job Fair in Arlington
A job fair for the 2020 Census will be at the Arlington Community Resource Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4.
According to an event description, jobs pay $18.50–$20.50 per hour and provide flexible hours and weekly pay.
The Arlington Community Resource Center is located at 18308 Smokey Point Boulevard.
More info: www.2020census.com/jobs.
EVENTS
Menorah lighting
The city of Lynnwood hosts its eighth Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony, featuring the Klez Katz Klezmer band at 4 p.m. Dec. 22, at Lynnwood City Hall, 19100 44th Ave. W. There will be Chanukah treats, free Menorah lighting kits and activities for kids. This is a free event.
More info: www.lynnwoodwa.gov
