EVERETT — It’s official. The Port of Everett’s quest to expand its boundaries will appear on the August primary ballot.
On March 12, the Snohomish County Council unanimously approved the port’s request to place the issue before voters.
“This is the first time in 106 years that Snohomish County residents will get to vote on the scale and scope of their Port,” Port CEO Lisa Lefeber said. “Snohomish County has changed dramatically in this time, so it will be good to give the new generation a voice in the matter.”
Now port officials plan a series of public meetings around the county — through June — to explain the measure.
The measure needs a simple majority to pass.
The Port of Everett is comprised of Everett, as well as portions of Mukilteo, Marysville and unincorporated Snohomish County.
An expanded port could include the entire county, excluding the Port of Edmonds, the city of Edmonds and town of Woodway.
If voters approve, property owners within the new boundary would pay port taxes. Property owners within the Everett port district currently pay about 19 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Residents with a home valued at $550,000 pay about $100 a year in taxes.
The additional revenue, which can only be used to fund environmental cleanup, public access and debt service, would support local job growth and transportation improvements, as well as recreational and environmental projects, Lefeber said.
Enlarging the district would make port resources, such as matching port funds and state and federal funding sources, available to more communities, Lefeber said.
The port conducted a survey last year to gauge interest in expanding the district’s boundaries. The results indicated an interest in expansion.
Online and in-person meetings:
The port will hold a free online information session, April 9 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The event is hosted by Economic Alliance Snohomish County. To attend the Zoom presentation, register at tinyurl.com/4238ae7m. A recording will be available afterward.
Monroe Community Senior Center, 4:30 p.m. May 16
Hartford Hall at The Mill Lake Stevens, 4:30 p.m. May 23
Lynnwood Event Center, 4:30 p.m. May 30
Willis Tucker Activity Center, 4:30 p.m. June 3
Stilly Valley Center, 5 p.m. June 13
Marysville Opera House, 4:30 p.m. June 20
Information on the boundary enlargement measure is available on the Port of Everett website at tinyurl.com/yck9r8ur. Translation and accessibility tools are available on the webpage or can be requested at publicaffairs@portofeverett.com.
Janice Podsada: 425-339-3097; jpodsada@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @JanicePods.
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