By Janice Podsada
Herald Writer
EDMONDS — There’s only so much money in the pot.
For that reason, the Edmonds Public Facilities District will consider hiring a project manager to help it apply for a portion of an estimated $40 million in state sales tax funds available to Snohomish County’s three public facilities districts, in Edmonds, Lynnwood and Everett.
"We need someone to compete with Everett and Lynnwood, the big boys, who are also asking for a portion of the money," Stephen Clifton, the city’s community director, said Thursday.
The money situation got a bit stickier Wednesday after the Snohomish County Council approved an agreement with the city of Everett that gives Everett’s PFD first dibs on a portion of the $40 million in funds.
The funds come from state sales tax revenues that would otherwise be paid to the state. The deadline to apply for those funds is the end of the year.
The Edmonds project manager would also coordinate the necessary steps the board must take toward seeking approval for a regional or performing arts center. Lynnwood and Everett already have PFD project managers.
Despite the news that Everett is first in line, the Edmonds PFD unanimously decided Thursday to continue its existence, and thus continue to explore the possibility of building a regional center.
"The PFD could have decided to fold up shop, but you’ve decided to continue," Clifton told the board.
On Nov. 20, the PFD will present its findings to the Edmonds City Council at the regular council meeting. At that time, copies of the consultant’s feasibility study and recommendations will be made available to the public.
The two-month feasibility study is to determine whether there is sufficient market demand to justify construction of a regional center or performing arts center in the Edmonds area.
Elaine Yard, an Edmonds resident who attended Thursday’s PFD meeting, said she is withholding judgment on whether a center is a good idea for the city.
"I’m not hearing enough to be able to form an opinion. I would like to see more information out there," Yard said.
The PFD’s next two meetings are scheduled for noon Nov. 16 and 9:30 a.m. Nov. 20.
The meetings, open to the public, are held at Edmonds City Hall.
You can call Herald Writer Janice Podsada at 425-339-3029 or send e-mail to podsada@heraldnet.com.
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