City Council Regular Meeting of November 10, 2026

The City of Lake Stevens City Council’s regular meeting on November 10, 2026, included public hearings on the 2027 property-tax levy and preliminary budget. Council approved Ordinance 1229 setting the 2027 property-tax revenue proposal, including the 1% increase; staff estimated the highest-lawful-levy component at about $67,230, and the example impact on a median-valued home was discussed as approximately $13. The preliminary budget remains under deliberation: it includes a $2.5 million transfer from reserves to the General Fund and plans for capital projects, including eight street projects totaling about $6.9 million and a $2.5 million federally appropriated 20th and Main Street roundabout. Other planned work includes park, facilities, bridge, and stormwater projects. Council discussed potential spending reductions and revenue measures, but made no final budget decisions; further deliberations were scheduled.

After an executive session, the council approved a motion for the City to sell the property at 2211 Grade Road—the former police station/library site—to the Lake Stevens School District; no sale price was stated. The council also heard Lake Stevens Aquafest’s request for dependable city support for the volunteer-run festival, whose reported 2026 revenue was $129,000 and expenses $128,500, but took no funding action. On park impact fees, council members generally favored a square-footage-based residential calculation and a 25% discount, and supported exploring a commercial methodology; these were discussion preferences, not a final adoption. No contract awards or vendor selections were identified.