EVERETT — Weighing in at 4 pounds, 3.8 ounces, Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson’s 2008 operating budget covers the A to Z of city spending from animal control to zoning.
The Everett City Council on Wednesday signed off on the weighty document, which sets next year’s spending priorities for all city departments. The budget is slated for final approval on Dec. 12.
Next year’s general fund is being set at $114.5 million, with a total budget of $492 million, after factoring in utilities, Everett Transit and other costs. The general fund focuses on the city’s everyday operating costs. The money comes from taxes on property, sales, utilities and businesses, as well as state-shared revenue.
This year’s budget calls for a total of 1,175 full-time positions, 16 more than the 2007 budget.
Here’s a peek at what your tax dollars will pay for next year:
Public safety
$55 million for police, fire, jail fees, 911 dispatchers and municipal court. Pensions for former cops and firefighters also are included.
Governmental operations
$21.4 million for City Council, administration, human resources, legal, finance, information technology, facilities, economic development and planning.
Community programs
$18.3 million for parks, library, senior center, Everett Performing Arts Theater, human needs grants, the animal shelter and the office of neighborhoods.
Infrastructure
$11 million for street improvements, street overlay, traffic signals and city engineering.
Reserve contributions and debt service
$8.7 million for payments on bonds and saving for rainy-day funds.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
