Everett City Council Meeting: May 13, 2026

The City of Everett held a City Council meeting on May 13, 2026, which included discussions on several procurement and budget-related topics. A key procurement item was the acceptance of a $301,000 federal grant through the Washington State Military Department to support security and operational costs for FIFA World Cup viewing events, enabling the city to manage large public gatherings safely. The council also reviewed and approved consent agenda items including amendments to the Clark Park renovation project. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the proposed increase in the water and sewer utility tax from 6% to 12%, intended to address a $15 million structural deficit in the city's general fund and to support ongoing capital projects such as the Port Gardner Storage Facility and water filtration plant upgrades. The council discussed the impact of this tax increase on utility rates, with a projected monthly increase of about $12 for a typical residential customer starting August 2026. Considerations for low-income and senior assistance programs were raised, and comparisons with neighboring cities' utility tax rates were provided. Additionally, the council authorized the filing of five lawsuits related to code enforcement actions on properties with longstanding violations, signaling active enforcement of municipal codes. Public comments addressed concerns about vacant commercial properties and transit system consolidation, reflecting community engagement on local economic and transportation issues.