The Snohomish County Council voted to approve a major courthouse renovation. (Snohomish County)

The Snohomish County Council voted to approve a major courthouse renovation. (Snohomish County)

County courthouse redo gets go-ahead vote, but barely

To cut costs, the Snohomish County Council reduced public arts funding on high-dollar projects.

EVERETT — The Snohomish County Council on Monday narrowly approved a $4.2 million demolition contract and plans for an extensive renovation of the courthouse.

To combat cost overruns, the council also reduced the amount of money the project is required to contribute to the county’s arts fund.

The project, which overhauls the existing courthouse and adds a five-story tower to the north side to the building, is about $4.6 million above budget. That’s about 6.5 percent more than the $72 million the council authorized last year.

During Monday’s meeting, Councilman Terry Ryan quizzed county staff, looking for assurances that there would be no more surprises. He was referring to the news from early July that construction bids were over budget.

“We’ve done a lot of exploratory work in that building and feel confident on what we are going to find,” said Eric Parks, deputy county executive. “If there are surprises we are going to make sure to involve council.”

Ryan voted with the 3-2 majority to move ahead with construction, along with Councilmen Sam Low and Nate Nehring.

Construction management consultants have said the 6.5 percent cost overrun is much better than the 20 percent to 30 percent that many Seattle-area construction projects are seeing in the current hot market. A flurry of government and private-sector projects has increased competition for labor and materials. They include new facilities for tech giants such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft, plus massive public transportation expansions and new schools.

To cut costs, the council approved a proposal from Nehring, eliminating a county requirement dedicating 1 percent of all major construction projects toward artwork. Instead of the full construction price, the 1 percent requirement would apply only to the first $10 million — of the courthouse or for any future large projects.

Nehring estimated this action could save more than $400,000 on the courthouse.

Before the changes, any project above $100,000 was required to spend 1 percent of the budget on arts.

Critics of Nehring’s ordinance said eliminating the arts contribution won’t solve the budget problem.

“The courthouse still needs a floor. It still needs lighting, stairwells and walls — why can’t an artist design them?” said Wendy Poischbeg, of Everett, during a public comment period.

Executive Dave Somers’ office has outlined strategies to pay for the extra amount, without raising taxes.

The three options were: selling county-owned property across the street, using a real estate excise tax or dipping into a savings fund intended to maintain or replace other buildings.

In a prepared statement, Somers said the project will ensure the courthouse works for the growing population.

“We have already saved $86 million with this more modest project, and we will take steps to save even more, when possible, striving to keep it within budget,” he said.

Construction fencing could go up around Wall Street and Wetmore Avenue by next week, with demolition work possible in August.

One of Monday’s no votes came from Council Chairwoman Stephanie Wright, who worries that costs could increase.

“Renovations always lead to uncertainty,” she said after the vote. “Our goal right now is to stay on top of it.”

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

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.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

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.

Britney Barber, owner of Everett Improv. Barber performs a shows based on cuttings from The Everett Herald. Photographed in Everett, Washington on May 16, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
August 9 will be the last comedy show at Everett Improv

Everett improv club closing after six years in business.

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.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish County will host climate resiliency open house on July 30

Community members are encouraged to provide input for the county’s developing Communitywide Climate Resiliency Plan.

Monroe Mayor Geoffrey Thomas talks to the crowd about the new "Imagine Monroe" city flag and symbol before the ribbon cutting on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Monroe unveils its new $17M City Hall and municipal court

Mayor Geoffrey Thomas showcased the new campus to residents, local and state officials during a celebration Monday.

National Weather Service issues red flag warning for slopes of Cascades

High temperatures, low humidity and winds are combining for critical fire weather conditions, either “imminent or occurring now.”

Photo courtesy of Graphite Arts Center
Amelia DiGiano’s photography is part of the “Seeing Our Planet” exhibit, which opens Friday and runs through Aug. 9 at the Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds.
A&E Calendar for July 10

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

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.