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- calendar_today November 3, 2026
Marysville Council Prepares for Key Budget Vote
The Marysville City Council is scheduled to vote on the city’s proposed $470.2 million biennial budget for 2027-28 at its regular meeting on Monday, November 9.
Budget Overview and Challenges
The recommended budget allocates $157.3 million in general fund spending over the two-year period. The general fund, serving as the city’s most adaptable financial resource, primarily covers staff salaries and essential services.
Mayor Jon Nehring described the financial situation as the most challenging since the Great Recession, citing inflation, soaring fuel prices, increased county jail fees, and new state mandates—such as reduced defense attorney workloads—as primary pressures on city finances.
Addressing the Deficit: Revenue and Cost-Cutting Measures
Marysville is projected to finish 2026 with a $6.9 million deficit. The city has trimmed $3.9 million in spending and will draw from savings to offset the remainder, according to City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton. The 2027-28 budget forecasts $154.1 million in general fund revenue, creating a $3.2 million structural deficit. Stapleton explained that further savings will be needed to balance future budgets, warning that ongoing deficits would further deplete reserves.
To help close the gap, Marysville has eliminated five full-time positions and restructured several departments. Despite these changes, the total number of general fund-supported positions remains steady, while non-general fund positions decrease by one.
The city is also discontinuing an opt-out incentive for employees with alternative health insurance, which will save an estimated $2.4 million over two years.
Public Safety Funding and New Criminal Justice Sales Tax
The budget introduces a 0.1% criminal justice sales tax, expected to generate $3.3 million in additional revenue over the biennium. This new tax, unanimously approved by the City Council on October 12, raises the city’s sales tax from 9.4% to 9.5%. Mayor Nehring stated that most unfunded mandates affect public safety expenses. By law, this tax could be adopted by council vote rather than a public referendum. Neighboring jurisdictions like Snohomish County, Edmonds, Stanwood, and Lynnwood have enacted similar sales taxes in recent years.
No Change to Property Taxes
The proposed budget does not include any property tax increases. Mayor Nehring pointed out that the city has not raised its portion of the property tax in over a decade, making Marysville one of the few cities in the state with such a record.
Utility Rate Increases and Inflation Impacts
Marysville will implement increases to water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste utility rates, responding to decades-long hikes in water costs from Everett and rising operational expenses. City officials note that inflation and other external costs have put even greater pressure on these utility funds than on the general fund itself.
For a typical residential customer, starting in 2027, water rates will rise by about $35 every two months (from $59.58 to $95.32 per 10,000 gallons). Wastewater rates will climb by $23.81 (from $107 to $130.81) every two months. Stormwater will increase by $8.43 (from $29.08 to $37.51), and solid waste services by $6.15 every two months for standard service.
Mayor Nehring highlighted further budgetary pressures, including fuel costs nearing $7 per gallon and the city's need to maintain aging water and sewer infrastructure. The utility rate adjustments follow a comprehensive study finalized with this budget cycle and were unanimously approved by the council on October 26.
Looking Ahead
Despite ongoing financial challenges, city leaders emphasize the importance of careful budgeting and proactive measures to maintain essential services. The council’s upcoming vote will determine how Marysville navigates sustained economic pressures moving into 2027 and beyond.
Source: heraldnet.com.
