The City of Lynnwood is talking about deep budget cuts. Nothing unusual in these times. But as they say, the devil is in the details.
Proposed are cuts amounting to $3.08 million and revenue increases of $2.4 million. The increase in revenue may come in the form of a new city tax of 3 to 4 percent on utilities, and/or property tax increase of up to 20 percent.
The cuts would involve laying off six to 17 people and trimming some services. Cutting the Fourth of July celebration, the Easter Egg Hunt and Shakespeare in the Park would save a whopping $46,900 a year.
Now get this. While proposing the above layoffs and cuts, the mayor is to get a $19,500 a year raise, a 25 percent increase.
The mayor is newly elected. His campaign included a lot of noise about city spending. He knew what the salary for this position was and now wants to make it up while the citizens are expected to sacrifice.
At the current salary $78,000, the mayor is in the upper 15 percent income level of Snohomish County. In these times, is that not enough?
Mr. Mayor, perhaps you ought to exercise some leadership and set an example by telling the council not to consider such a raise while city workers are laid off and services are cut.
Call the city (425-775-1971) and ask for the names and phone numbers of the council members. Then call the council members and let them know what you think of the mayor getting a raise at this time.
The citizens have a chance to voice their opinion on these matters at the city council meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 25 in the Lynnwood City Council chambers (19100 44th Ave. W.). I plan on being there. How about you?
Lynnwood
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