Contact:  Kent Patton
                Kent.Patton@snoco.org
                425-388-3883

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers Unveils Proposed 2020 Budget 

Budget focuses on: public safety and opioid crisis; environmental and fiscal sustainability; housing affordability and public service

EVERETT, Wash., September 24, 2019 – Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers today delivered his proposed 2020 budget to the Snohomish County Council. His proposed budget focuses on public safety and the opioid crisis, environmental and fiscal sustainability, housing affordability and public service.

“Every year we take this opportunity to examine our priorities as a region and a government,” said Executive Somers. “The budget may seem like just numbers on a page. In truth, it is a reflection of our values. It is our mission statement for the year. This year’s proposed budget maintains our focus on transforming county government in order to meet the needs of our residents.”

Included in the proposed budget are a number of new programs and announcements:

• A new fund for addressing high priority needs resulting from the opioid epidemic and disbursed through the Multi-Agency Coordination Group (MAC Group).
• A Law and Justice Study to develop a holistic roadmap for reforming public safety in Snohomish County.
• Funds for a severe weather shelter.
• The establishment of a Climate Change Advisory Committee.
• Funding to begin construction of the Sheriff’s new South Precinct.
• The renovation of a section of Denny Juvenile Justice Center for use in recovery and treatment of those suffering from addiction.
• Funding to create a clean energy plan, helping us achieve our goal of 100% renewable energy in county government by 2040.
• Additional investments in the Revenue Stabilization Fund, established to help the county should the economy soften.

Executive Somers spoke about the need to address the affordable housing crisis affecting people across the income spectrum. He also addressed the impacts on individuals, families and communities of the opioid crisis, stressing the need for continued partnerships within and across the county.

“We don’t reach our goals alone,” said Executive Somers. “Rather, we rely on our partners working here on the county campus, as well as leaders across the county in business, non-profits, and other governments. It isn’t the title we hold that matters, but instead the value we place on making our community stronger year over year. We fulfill our responsibilities fully aware that we must use resources wisely and with restraint.”

If adopted, the General Fund budget for 2020 would be $267.8 million, paying for core county services.

“I offer my proposed 2020 budget as the best way for us to reach our goals together and reinforce our values as a community,” said Executive Somers. “We have advanced a vision of partnership to serve the public and take another step toward achieving our goals. I believe this proposed budget for 2020 allows us to plan for the future we choose.”

Snohomish County is the third largest county by population in the State of Washington. It is home to the largest manufacturing facility in the world at the county-owned Paine Field Airport and has some of the most quintessential features of the Pacific Northwest, from Puget Sound on the west to the Cascade Mountains and Glacier Peak in the east. Manufacturing, farming and tourism are dominant industries.