Lynnwood council reviews cuts, layoffs amid budget deficit

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, September 16, 2025

EVERETT — As the city of Lynnwood faces a $10.7 million budget deficit, the City Council discussed department cuts Monday, including nine employee layoffs.

In July, Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell asked each city department to cut 10% of their budget, with the exception of courts and police, which cut 4% and 6%, respectively. Finance Director Michelle Meyer presented a memo detailing the cuts to the City Council on Monday.

On Sept. 10, the city gave nine employees layoff notices. The positions included an equity advisor, senior finance specialist, permit technician, planner, assistant finance director, database administrator, computer support specialist, recreation manager of senior programs and recreation coordinator of senior programs.

“I continue to be amazed with the quality of our employees who serve our community daily, day-to-day operations, policy implementations, public safety and caring for everything the city is responsible for comes down to people helping people,” Frizzell said. “It was with heavy hearts and much consideration that cuts were made to staff last week.”

Due to parks and recreation cuts, the city’s recreation center will see shortened service hours. Community events may need to be scaled back if the department cannot secure grant funding, director Joel Faber wrote in the memo. The police and parks departments are making reductions to their fleets, including putting off new purchases and selling vehicles.

Multiple departments, including executive and police, are cutting community outreach and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Some council members raised concerns about certain communities being disproportionately impacted by the cuts. Some cuts included programs for seniors and interpreter services.

“I know we think of recreation as just an optional amenity, but I think there’s a lot more to social wellness than just the absolute essentials,” council President Nick Coelho said. “I think this is going to raise more questions for our council about where our values are and about what we’re willing to prioritize when we make these tough decisions about revenues and taxes.”

The city’s budget deficit mainly stems from lower-than-expected revenues from sales tax, development services charges and red-light camera fines. On Wednesday, the City Council will discuss the revenue side of the budget, including potential new revenue streams.

Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.