County Council overrides executive’s veto on hiring freeze

The disagreement stems from the yearly budget that was passed in the fall.

EVERETT — The Snohomish County Council convened a rare special meeting Friday afternoon to override Executive Dave Somers’ veto of a hiring ordinance.

The vote was 5-0.

Council Chairwoman Stephanie Wright said the hiring restriction she and her colleagues restored, on its own, is only a small part of keeping the county budget in check.

“Every piece is important and we have to start somewhere,” Wright said after the vote.

She said she would meet regularly with the executive and other county leaders throughout the year, as they seek out more savings.

The disagreement stems from the yearly budget the council passed in the fall. The council zeroed out a small tax increase that Somers had proposed for the county’s general levy. While holding the line on taxes, the executive said the council failed to make corresponding cutbacks in spending. He said their budget, which is in effect now, spends $2 million more than the county expects to take in from revenues this year.

Council members Friday said they have not yet had a chance to review the executive’s financial forecast. They’re promising a series of other belt-tightening measures throughout the year to rein in costs.

As one step in that direction, they passed the restricted hiring ordinance Jan. 17, over the objections of Somers and other elected officials in county government.

It would affect 88 positions classified as “management exempt.” They tend to be among the highest-paid jobs in county government, but are a small slice of the 1,500-person workforce supported by the operating budget.

The council exempted some positions in the version. It also got rid of a requirement to keep positions vacant for at least 60 days.

Somers vetoed the legislation Wednesday, saying that it unfairly restricted the county’s independently elected leaders from hiring for certain management jobs. The executive said the legislation wouldn’t accomplish its intended purpose of saving money, either.

“I reluctantly vetoed this ordinance because I, my staff, and other elected officials believe it is counterproductive, erodes the ability of our elected officials to manage their budgets and departments, and really focuses our energies and attention at micro issues rather than the broader fiscal issues the county faces,” the executive told the council Friday.

He asked them to hold off on overriding his veto for 30 days so they could work together to draw up a road map for approaching their budget challenges. They declined.

Councilman Terry Ryan defended the council’s approach.

“We’re trying to look out for the taxpayer and we’re trying to make sure we spend their money wisely,” Ryan said. “We’re not talking about what’s happening this week. We’re talking about the future finances of the county.”

The council is set to consider more steps next week to help shore up county finances.

One proposal would make customers pay the transaction fees for using credit, debit and other charge cards. It could apply to payments for fines, permits and various filing fees. The county could potentially recoup hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees that it has been absorbing each year.

A public hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in council chambers.

Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@herald net.com. Twitter: @NWhaglund.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Pedestrians cross the intersection of Evergreen Way and Airport Road on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In Snohomish County, pedestrian fatalities continue a troublesome trend

As Everett and other cities eye new traffic safety measures, crashes involving pedestrians show little signs of decreasing.

The Mountlake Terrace City Council discusses the Flock Safety license plate camera system on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace public express ongoing ire with future Flock system

The city council explored installing a new advisory committee for stronger safety camera oversight.

Crane Aerospace & Electronics volunteer Dylan Goss helps move branches into place between poles while assembling an analog beaver dam in North Creek on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Adopt A Stream volunteers build analog beaver dams in North Creek

The human-engineered structures will mimic natural dams in an effort to restore creek health in an increasingly urbanized area.

Ferries pass on a crossing between Mukilteo and Whidbey Island. (Andy Bronson / Herald file)
State commission approves rate hike for ferry trips

Ticket prices are set to rise about 6% over the next two years.

Marysville recruit Brian Donaldson, holds onto his helmet as he drags a 5-inch line 200 feet in Snohomish County’s first fire training academy run through an obstacle course at the South Snohomish Fire & Rescue training ground on Monday, March 26, 2018 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Voters approve fire and EMS levy lifts in Snohomish County

All measures in Marysville, North County Fire and Snohomish County Fire District No. 4 passed with at least 60% of votes.

Stock photo 
Homicides dropped by 43.7% in across Snohomish County while violent crime decreased 5.4%. In 2024, the county recorded 12 murders, just under half the previous year’s total.
Crime down overall in Snohomish County in 2024, new report says

Murder and sex crimes went down in Snohomish County. Drug-related offenses, however, were up.

x
Edmonds names acting city administrator

Todd Tatum previously served as the city’s director of community, culture and economic development.

An Everett Medical Services vehicle at Silver Lake on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Everett, Washington. (Everett Fire Department)
Everett awards teen, nurses for Silver Lake rescue

The fire department recognized a teenager and three nurses after their efforts saved an 11-year-old from drowning in July.

Outside of the Lynnwood Police Department on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
The costly, controversial journey of Lynnwood’s newest jail

After one year of operation, city officials say the jail has reduced recidivism and expanded medical services available to inmates.

Scarlett Underland, 9, puts her chicken Spotty back into its cage during load-in day at the Evergreen State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Evergreen State Fair ready for 116th year of “magic” in Monroe

The fair will honor Snohomish County’s farming history and promises to provide 11 days of entertainment and fun.

Downtown Edmonds is a dining destination, boasting fresh seafood, Caribbean-inspired sandwiches, artisan bread and more. (Taylor Goebel / The Herald)
Edmonds approves public safety sales tax

The council unanimously approved the 0.1% increase, which will go into effect next year.

Everett
Everett school board OKs 2025-26 budget

The $441 million general fund budget brings about 18 additional full-time equivalent educator positions to the district.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.