No new taxes in proposed budget

Published 9:00 pm Thursday, September 29, 2005

EVERETT There will be no new property taxes in 2006, County Executive Aaron Reardon said this morning.

Reardon presented details of his proposed $589.5 million budget for 2006.

The budget, and his remarks, were centered on a theme he described as focusing and investing in the countys future “while respecting its past.”

In a news release, Reardon said he was proud to be rebuilding the countys reserves and eliminating deficit spending. all without raising property taxes.

“Today, we face the exciting opportunity to move forward and invest in a brighter future for the citizens of Snohomish County,” Reardon said. “We will grow our tax base. We will invest our taxpayers’ money wisely. Today, our government is leaner, but our county is stronger.”

Almost 90 percent of the additional general fund spending in 2006 is directed toward public safety, which makes up nearly 71 percent of the general fund.

That includes funding for 10 additional sheriffs deputies, the countys 800-MHz communications system for first responders, money to begin work on a new Emergency Operations Center and establishing the Department of Emergency Management as a new county agency.

Reardon also proposed a number of environmental and transportation-related items, including increasing capacity in the countys road system, directing funding toward habitat restoration and creating a biodiesel initiative.

The budget also calls for adding new parks, ball fields and open space in communities.

The 2006 budget will continue investing in the Agriculture Action Plan, the recommendations from nearly 350 farmers, ranchers and growers that attended the countys Focus on Farming conference last November.

Reardon also called for the county to work more closely with the local biotech and life sciences industries, while also dedicating assistance to attracting new businesses and growing the operations of existing businesses.

The 2006 budget recommends a $13 million increase over 2005, with a general fund of $187 million.

Reardon is counting on an increase in revenue next year, which he said will come as a result of strong job growth in the county, increased sales tax collections and a more favorable return on investments due to federal interest rate changes.