Sam Low's eNewsletter
Snohomish County Council
3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609
Everett, Washington 98201
8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building
Phone: 425-388-3494
E-Mail: Sam.Low@snoco.org
Darcy Cheesman, Legislative Aide
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Snohomish County Council Adopts 2023 County Budget
On November 9th, 2022, the Snohomish County Council passed a $1.5 billion operating budget for the upcoming 2023 fiscal year. The adopted budget passed unanimously.
A few highlights of the 2023 adopted budget include:
- Continued funding for the body worn camera program in the Sheriff’s office
- Funding for two social workers working with the Office of Neighborhoods
- Additional District Court Judge
- Added funding for indigent defense
- Extension of the Centennial Trail
- Addresses septic issues through additional funding for the new Health Department
- Aids in Sheriff’s Deputy recruitment and retention
- Adds a new Fair Manager
- Launches a Wellness pilot program for Law Enforcement
- Funds Lord Hill parking improvements
- Adds investments to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in four new deputy prosecuting attorneys, one dedicated to training and two dedicate to a Complex Prosecution’s unit
- Adds a new Sheriff’s office precinct near the airport to respond to the busiest beat in Snohomish County
- Upgrades security for elections through a full remodel and space allocation
- Upgrades Council Chambers to allow for improved public participation in our hybrid environment
- Utilizes time-limited federal ARPA funds to invest in behavioral health, substance use treatment, homelessness, workforce development, childcare and broadband access to underserved areas.
Public safety and transportation are two of my top priorities, so I am grateful the council supported increased funding for additional prosecutors as well as domestic violence coordinators in the Sheriff’s office. As noted above we are also including funding to restart our office of neighborhoods program which I believe will be beneficial to our residents. Overall I believe this budget reflects the priorities and concerns of Snohomish County residents and I thank my fellow councilmembers for their partnership in passing this budget and our staff for their hard work.
Veterans Day Celebrations
I was honored to participate in a few Veterans Day ceremonies in our district this month. We are grateful for the service of our Veterans and should take opportunities to thank them not only on Veterans Day but all year long.
Information Courtesy of the Snohomish County Treasurer’s Office
Local taxpayers have been hit with a demand for payment of a phony tax debt. The scam involves a letter claiming to be from the Snohomish County “Tax Resolution Unit” and threatens garnishment, property seizure or a lien on the property if fraudulent fees aren’t paid immediately.
Concerned residents brought these letters to our attention and we soon learned that it contained official looking features identical to similar scams circulating in other jurisdictions. Envelopes appear to be postmarked from Sacramento, California, contain a return address that includes a Tax Processing Unit “Public Judgment Records” department, and have the local county name poorly inserted. It should be noted that these department names do not exist in Snohomish County.
The fake notice also directs the taxpayer to call a toll free (800) number “to avoid enforcement” and references federal tax liens. Legitimate Snohomish County Treasurer communications typically contain the official seal of the Treasurer and a local return address. Additionally, the Snohomish County Treasurer does not collect or enforce federal taxes.
As your County Treasurer, Brian Sullivan takes pride in building trust in the community. If you receive a notice that causes you concern, please feel free to contact the Treasurer directly at Contact.Treasurer@co.snohomish.wa.us, or call 425-388-3366.
Focus on Farming was back this year and it was a huge success. Focus on Farming is the only one-day gathering for all types of farming in one centralized location: whether organic or conventional, livestock or row crops, large or small. Providing quality education to sustain current farmers and attract new farmers to our region is a critical component in securing the next generation's local food supply. This year participants enjoyed new tracks that include New Technology in Agriculture, Agritourism and New and Beginning Farmers.
Information provided by the Sky Valley Chamber
The Bolt Creek Fire has been challenging for our Sky Valley businesses.
**All donations will be distributed to affected businesses through the Sky Valley Chamber. They do NOT need to be Chamber members. It will be a simple grant process that documents their losses. **
We are truly grateful that we haven’t lost any lives or buildings, but small business dreams are hanging in the balance for some.
The fire began on Sept 10th in the Beckler Ridge area, causing evacuations on and off for the next week and a half. In a matter of hours since the start of the fire, intense, heavy smoke and ash enveloped the Valley, choking out all outdoor activities. Giant trees and rocks started crashing down from the steep mountainside crossing Highway 2 near Money Creek, closing the highway.
Recreation businesses include guides, tour operators, ATVs, hunting/fishing, hikers, and rock climbers. Exceptional event businesses, including weddings, catering, florists, musicians, venues, lodging, and all of the small companies that do maintenance and cleaning for them, were essentially shut down. You don’t choose to go to an area where you can’t breathe the air or even see the mountain or river across from your rented cabin. As revenues dropped, keeping employees on staff became one of their most significant issues. Some used savings to keep them, but it went on much longer than they had resources to cover.
All of the area’s food and beverage businesses, from Monroe to Skykomish, struggled because of the highway closures, and even the locals couldn’t come out during that time because of the dangerous air quality. It was over six weeks with no or drastically reduced income. It wasn’t just the decreasing sales that cost them. It was also the lost perishable inventory that had to be thrown away. For those in Skykomish and Baring, it was the 2nd time they had to throw everything out. The first was when PUD had to shut all power to that area off to aid firefighting efforts. They lost everything in their coolers and freezers.
Our Sky Valley community is very resilient and doesn't usually seek help. Still, it’s looking like support will need to come from the private sector, as fires don’t usually qualify for government aid. We are still working on it, but even if it happens, it will take time and will probably only include low-interest loans.
Economic Alliance of Snohomish County stepped up to help us by hosting a fundraising event on Nov. 10th. We are very grateful to them and the sponsors: The Boeing Company, Puget Sound Energy, and the Angel of the Winds Arena.
All donations will be distributed through the Sky Valley Chamber to affected businesses. They do NOT need to be Chamber members. It will be a simple grant process that documents their losses. We’ve had experience implementing grants by working with the City of Sultan during the pandemic.
We know this won’t even come close to making our businesses whole, but it will help. Skykomish businesses are down an average of 65% to 75% compared to last year. Last year, they were starting to come out of covid restrictions~ so there was a low bar in place already. To say it’s been challenging would be an understatement. Nearly all food and beverage businesses from Skykomish to Monroe are down. Rough estimates bring the losses for the Sky Valley Businesses over $500,000.
Our people remain positive, hopeful, and genuinely grateful even during this difficult time. It’s lovely to be part of such a caring community. Thank you all for your support!
The video below highlights the two ways that people can show their support. https://www.gofundme.com/f/surviving-the-bolt-creek-fire
As we move into Thanksgiving I hope everyone takes the time to be thankful for their family, friends and community. We live in an amazing area with immense resources and beauty. I am honored to serve this district.
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