County Council vote on courthouse renovation delayed

EVERETT — The tortuous process of figuring out what to do with Snohomish County’s aging courthouse is bound to play out a little longer, with a decision on pursuing a major renovation project likely delayed until early next year.

The County Council had been expecting to vote on a plan in December. Specialists from the county’s architect have spent months examining the nearly 50-year-old building and likely need a little longer. They’re trying to determine what can be accomplished within the $62 million budget — and what would be left off the to-do list.

Council Chairman Terry Ryan said last week he was eagerly awaiting the architect’s proposal, which he expected to reach the council for a vote in February.

In a recent guest editorial, a half-dozen Snohomish County Superior Court judges urged the council to reject the renovation plan, which they consider a waste of money. They called it irresponsible to try to rehabilitate a building that’s not worth fixing. They said the county would be smarter to focus its efforts on a new building — and wait, if necessary, until money is available.

Planning for the courthouse has followed a yo-yo-like trajectory since 2012, when a majority of the County Council voted to renovate the 1967 justice building. A few months later, council members determined that many of the old building’s problems were too severe to fix. They decided to build a new courthouse, believing it wouldn’t cost much more than an overhaul.

The following year, after John Lovick took over as county executive, his administration discovered that the new construction project would cost much more than originally thought. A majority of the council signed off on a $162 million plan for an eight-story courthouse across the street and down the block.

Those plans were put on hold during the summer of 2015, a week before contractors were supposed to have broken ground. Dave Somers, who moved into the executive’s office after beating Lovick in the 2015 election, earlier this year recommended returning to a remodeling plan. He said the county’s finances were too shaky to support the new construction project.

Only two council members remain from 2012. Three different county executives have served during that time.

About $13 million has been spent so far on architectural plans and property acquisitions for various phases of the project. A half dozen properties condemned to accommodate the footprint of the new courthouse have mostly sat derelict.

The overhaul option would add modern courthouse elevators and bathrooms in a new tower on the north side of the building. Current mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems would be in line for upgrades, as they’re already considered at the end of their lifespans. Renovation might extend them for another 25 years, according to a project summary from Somers’ office. The county’s growing population, and more demand on its legal functions, could continue to pinch space in the building during those two and a half decades.

Asbestos would remain in parts of the courthouse untouched by the renovation. Officials have cautioned that available funding won’t be enough to address some critical needs.

Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@heraldnet.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

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mini heat wave moving into Snohomish County

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of temperatures climbing to mid-80s or low 90s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members Doug Symonds and Alysia Obina on Monday, March 3, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How to grow for show: 10 tips for prize-winning dahlias

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members share how they tend to their gardens for the best blooms.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

State Attorney General Nick Brown's office posted a release announcing $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight drugmakers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. The state could receive more than $16 million, the release said. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)
Snohomish County to receive portion of latest $16M opioid settlement

While the amount of money is still unknown, funding plans are already in place to help with drug abuse prevention, treatment and education.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

From left to right, Edmonds City Council Position 3 candidates Joseph Ademofe, Alex Newman and Erika Barnett.
Amid budget crisis, Edmonds City Council candidates talk revenue, affordability

Three newcomers are facing off for Position 3 on the council, currently held by council President Neil Tibbott.

Everett
Everett approves new fines for non-emergency lifts

The fire department will only issue fines for non-emergency lift assists at licensed care facilities, not for individuals at home calling 911.

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.