MUKILTEO — This year, Mukilteo Seniors offered free day trips for seniors to Eastern Washington, Leavenworth and White Rock, B.C.
But the nonprofit group will have to cut at least one trip and possibly other free activities if the Mukilteo City Council adopts a budget Monday that raises rents at Rosehill Community Center by 20 percent. The seniors rent space there.
"I don’t think they treat the seniors very well," said Dorothy Kasch, past president of Mukilteo Seniors.
The seniors group, run by an all-volunteer staff, serves about 50 area seniors.
The City Council will consider adopting its 2004 budget Monday. At $16.9 million, it is the city’s smallest budget since 1998.
In an attempt to wipe out a $443,000 budget deficit, the council has agreed to eliminate the Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival, cut a clerk’s position at Rosehill and reduce the city’s vehicle replacement fund.
Other cuts will halt the hiring of two paramedics and cut computer upgrades, training and the use of temporary labor.
The 2004 budget originally called for a 50 percent rent increase to Rosehill tenants. That would have raised $38,000. But the outcry at the last council meeting convinced city officials to hold rent increases to 20 percent, which would generate about $8,000 for the city.
But a 20 percent rent increase is still too much, Kasch said.
The seniors group derives its funds from Secondhand Rose, a thrift shop at Rosehill. Profits allow the group to offer free activities to seniors several times a month.
"If they raise us 20 percent, it’s going to hurt," Kasch said.
City officials could not be reached for comment Friday, but earlier this month city administrator Rich Leahy said rent increases were needed to keep Rosehill open.
Controversy has swirled around the center since the council voted in 1999 to raze Rosehill and replace it with two new buildings — a community center and a city hall.
Rosehill was deeded to the city in 1977 by the Mukilteo School District. The district stipulated that the center continue to serve the school district community; the boundaries extend into Everett and unincorporated Snohomish County.
Another Rosehill tenant, Julie Glafke, the owner of Jazzercise, also vowed to fight the 20 percent increase.
"When they raised the rents last year 10 percent, I had to raise the price on my classes," Glafke said.
When students quit taking her classes, it’s often because a family member has been laid off from work, she said.
"In this time when the economy is so down, you can’t just go to someone and raise prices," Glafke said.
If the city adopts the 20 percent increase, Glafke said she wouldn’t raise class fees this time around but she would reduce the number of classes.
"Why can’t they spread this raise around through increasing the cost of business licenses or commuter parking instead of trying to get $8,000 from 10 or 15 tenants?" she asked.
Members of the Friends of the Community Center, a citizens group, said they also will protest the city’s proposed increase.
"I’m sorry that the city is having budget difficulties, but why are the Rosehill tenants being burdened with having to balance the budget?" questioned Terry Preshaw, a member of the citizens group.
Preshaw said current rents are slightly above average. The group recently surveyed 17 community centers and found the average rate was 64 cents per square foot.
"Right now, the Gene Nastri School pays 67 cents per square foot," Preshaw said.
The city, on the other hand, says Rosehill tenants pay quite a bit less than fair market value.
Until 2001, rent increases at Rosehill were limited to 7 percent, Preshaw said.
"In 2002, tenants had to sign what we call ‘the sky is the limit’ leases, meaning the city can increase the rents as much and as often as they want by giving a tenant just 30 days notice," Preshaw said.
Preshaw questioned the city’s motives for raising rents.
"Is the issue generating $8,000 for the city, or is the issue penalizing Rosehill supporters?" she asked.
Last year, Rosehill chalked up 55,000 visits.
"I’m almost to the point of saying, ‘OK, I’m out,’ " Glafke said. "But I’m not going to, I’m going to fight it."
Reporter Janice Podsada:
425-339-3029 or
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