By Dave Somers / For The Herald
I appreciate the opportunity to respond to the Nov. 19 commentary by Snohomish County Council member Jared Mead, who is in opposition to my outrageous proposal to increase everyone’s property taxes by 8 percent. It would be outrageous, if it were true. It is not. Sadly, council member Mead knows this.
I understand and am sensitive to the extreme economic pressures on our residents and taxpayers. Inflation has been too high, housing costs continue to increase, and salaries do not always keep pace with higher prices. I also know the public values the services Snohomish County provides.
The truth is my proposed budget would increase your overall property tax bill by less than one-half of 1 percent, or about $12 more in 2025 and another $12 in 2026 on an average-valued home. That’s $24 more a year — $2 a month — in 2026 compared to 2024. It is an 8 percent increase to a small portion of your property tax dollar, only applying to the approximately 6 cents of that dollar that funds county government. The other 94 cents go to the state, your schools, special districts including fire, libraries, sewer and others. The exact breakdown varies some based on other levies where you live, but they are all listed on your property tax bill and I urge you to read it carefully.
Snohomish County has no control over that other 94 cents, other than collecting and distributing it to the other jurisdictions. Almost all those taxes are voter approved.
Again, my proposal equals less than one-half of 1 percent increase on a total tax bill – not 8 percent.
My priorities since being elected are to bring excellent services to our residents, be efficient with public resources, hire the best team I can, and work collaboratively with the County Council and partners in cities and special districts. I’ve focused on keeping Snohomish County a great place to live, work and play. We are fortunate to live in this special place. It is vital to remember we work for the people, and they need us to focus on our jobs and not waste time and money on political games. Unfortunately, some politicians seem inclined otherwise.
In his commentary, Councilmember Mead referenced a recent performance audit. While I have some concerns with the audit process, I am completely open to a thorough review and consideration of the recommendations. However, this must be done in a thoughtful manner, not rushed to score political points. The audit found no economic inefficiencies in my office but suggested several structural changes with no purported financial savings. The auditor noted other counties do things differently, not that other approaches were better. The audit also did not recommend any cuts to Executive Office positions, which were put forward by Councilmember Mead.
I am not sure whether to laugh or cry at his statement that the “salaries increased without justification or oversight” because he and his fellow council members have approved every position, pay increase or reclassification that he referenced. The council approved every one of those by county ordinance or via the budget process. I have no ability to make these changes on my own.
The County Council does not oversee the operations of county staff and departments. As Executive, I am responsible for the day-to-day business of executive departments. I have put together the best team I can and am incredibly proud of the work they do every day. We are a lean team with about two-thirds the budget of the similar-sized Pierce County. We are much smaller than King County, less than one-third their budget. We do things in a way that maximizes efficiency and delivers the best services we can to residents. I will gladly defend the work of any of my employees. We have truly amazing people working for Snohomish County, and it pains me greatly to see them attacked by a member of the County Council.
I have always been a straight shooter. I was educated at the University of Washington, employed as a scientist, and came to understand many years ago that the most valuable thing I possess is people’s trust in my word. Without that, I would be nothing really beyond a bag of hot air, and there are too many of those already in circulation.
I believe we do our best work when we work collaboratively. With rare exceptions, we have achieved that over the last nine years of my time as Executive. I think pointless political battles and maneuvering for higher office take away from our service to the public. I proposed this budget because I want to keep deputies on the street and maintain a robust response to homelessness and the fentanyl epidemic. I proposed this budget because I want to support businesses and workers and provide quality services to our residents.
These are my priorities, and I’m confident the public, and much of our County Council, shares them.
Dave Somers is the county executive for Snohomish County.
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