2008 Snohomish County News

• Road Construction Updates
• County News Archive

eSubscribe Services: receive an e-mail when Snohomish County News is updated.

Most news is available in PDF format.

December 30, 2008

Residents Urged to Report Snowstorm Damages

Snohomish County residents, farmers, businesses and municipalities should begin reporting to the county’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM) storm damages related to snow, ice and winds occurring between Dec. 13 and 26.

December 28, 2008

Road Crews Make Headway Clearing Snow, Ice

Snohomish County Road Maintenance crews have begun clearing secondary streets and more residential areas, allowing for increased access in and out of neighborhoods throughout unincorporated parts of the county.

December 26, 2008

County Road Conditions Continue to Improve

With temperatures expected to rise to the mid-40s and snow turns to rain during the next days, driving conditions on county roads are expected to improve considerably.  However, snow and ice melt may cause localized flooding and the collection of water on streets.

December 24, 2008

Emergency Management Taking Weather-Related Calls

The Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management has opened its emergency operations call center to assist Public Works with weather-related calls.

December 22, 2008

County Road Crews Plow 50,000-Plus Miles

Since Saturday, Dec. 13, Snohomish County road crews have worked nonstop to clear more than 50,000 miles of road lanes inundated repeatedly with snow.

December 19, 2008

Winter Preparedness Urged This Weekend

The Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) is coordinating resources with the American Red Cross and the Snohomish County PUD in preparation for weekend winds, ice and snow.

December 11, 2008

County Prepares Crews, Trucks for Winter Storm

Snohomish County road crews have sander and plow trucks on standby, ready for use during Friday and Saturday’s forecasted winter storm warning.

December 11, 2008

Cooper Aims to Reduce Elected’s Car Stipend

Declaring he had to stay true to the commitment he made during the recent budget deliberations, County Councilmember Mike Cooper has announced he will introduce an ordinance next week designed to save the county general fund nearly $40,000 by reducing the car allowance granted to some county elected officials by 55 percent -- half of the savings alone will come from the council members.

December 10, 2008

Executive, Council Create Economic Stimulus Plan

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and the County Council announced Wednesday a plan to improve economic opportunities here during the ongoing financial downturn, including a series of summits related to job growth and creation.

December 8, 2008

Martha Lake Airport Park Bid Awarded

The Snohomish County Council has awarded the $3 million bid for the construction of Martha Lake Airport Community Park, 146th St, W, Lynnwood.  “I’m extremely excited that we are able to start construction on the facilities at the Martha Lake Airport Community Park,” said Councilmember Dave Gossett. “We desperately need more parks to serve our growing population.”

December 3, 2008

Council OK’s Funding for Mental Health Srvs.

Snohomish County will join many neighboring counties in offering significantly expanded mental health and chemical dependency treatment services funded by a one-tenth of one percent (0.01%) increase in the sales tax – 1¢ on a $10 purchase. The legislature authorized counties to impose the tax specifically for these services.

December 2, 2008

"Night of 1,000 Stars” Focuses on Traffic Safety

Snohomish County will join its counterparts throughout Washington state Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, for the 18th annual “Night of 1,000 Stars” traffic safety emphasis patrol. Local officers will kick off the event at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Everett Police Department’s South Precinct, located at the intersection of Everett Mall Way and West Mall Drive. Media are invited to meet with law enforcement and to schedule ride-alongs during the event.

December 1, 2008

County Converts Hybrids to All-electric Vehicles

Snohomish County has converted two of its Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles to fully electric vehicles as part of the Plugin Center PHEV Pilot Project of Washington. 

November 24, 2008

County Council Approves 'Painful' Budget for 2009

Universally lamenting the necessity for cutting jobs and reducing services in the face of declining revenues brought on by the widespread economic crisis, the Snohomish County Council has approved a 2009 general fund budget of $206.6 million.

November 20, 2008

County’s Focus on Farming Conference Tops 500 Attendees

More than 500 people attended Thursday’s 5th annual Focus on Farming Conference at the Lynnwood Convention Center. Early registration numbers already had surpassed last years’ early registration numbers for the conference and walk-ins Thursday pushed numbers beyond 500 participants.

November 19, 2008

County Preparation Limits Flood Damage

Damages were reported throughout the county along the Skykomish, Snohomish and Pilchuck rivers but were limited in scale due to early preparation and quick response to rising waters by Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Public Works and other municipal departments.

November 18, 2008

Focus on Farming Conference Slated for Thursday

As many as 500 people are expected to attend Thursday’s 5th annual Focus on Farming Conference at the Lynnwood Convention Center.  Early registration has exceeded previous years’ early registration numbers for the conference initiated by Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and local farmers in 2004.

November 17, 2008

Council Chair Somers Presents His Budget

"I present to the citizens of Snohomish County, my fellow Councilmembers, the County Executive, elected officials county wide and county employees my recommended budget for 2009. This budget has been crafted to respond to the unprecedented economic crisis that has engulfed our county, state, nation, and even the world..."

November 17, 2008

County Offers Free Waste Disposal for Flood Victims

Snohomish County will offer individuals free waste disposal of flood-damaged household goods at county solid waste facilities.  County Executive Aaron Reardon proposed the fee waiver Friday, and the County Council approved the measure Monday.

November 14, 2008

Damage Assessments Needed by Wednesday, Nov. 19

Snohomish County residents, businesses and municipalities have until 5 p.m. Wdnesday, Nov. 19, to report flood damages to the county’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM).

November 14, 2008

Reardon Requests Free Waste Disposal for Flood Victims

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has asked the County Council for quick approval of free disposal of water-damaged goods for individuals needing flood clean-up aid.

November 13, 2008

County Ratchets Down Emergency Ops Center

As river levels continue receding, the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) will close down its Emergency Operations Center at noon Thursday.

November 13, 2008

Flood Watch Removed From Snohomish County Rivers

Flood watches for all Snohomish County river systems were lifted late Wednesday night, however, the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) is still monitoring rising river levels near the city of Snohomish.

November 12, 2008

Skykomish, Stillaguamish Rivers Begin Receding

River levels on the Skykomish and Stillaguamish rivers crested earlier than expected and forecasts late Wednesday favored Snohomish River crests below initial predictions. The Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management is preparing for river crests through the night and early Thursday morning on the Snohomish River in Monroe and Snohomish.

November 12, 2008

Executive Reardon Issues Emergency Declaration

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has issued an emergency declaration to respond to flooding throughout the area.

November 12, 2008

Rivers Continue to Rise Across Snohomish County

Snohomish County emergency management continues to coordinate resources to protect public safety and property from flood damage.

November 12, 2008

Sand, Bags Delivered to Area Cities for Residential Use

Snohomish County Public Works crews began delivering sand and bags Wednesday morning to various locations throughout the county to prepare for potential flooding along the Skykomish, Snohomish and Stillaguamish rivers.

November 10, 2008

County Readies for Second Round of River Flooding
Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management is preparing for its second Flood Watch in less than a week. A Flood Watch, beginning Tuesday afternoon and ending late Wednesday evening, means weather conditions are favorable for flooding but flooding is not imminent or currently occurring.

November 10, 2008

Council Approves Moving Corrections to Sheriff’s Office

Citing immediate personnel cost savings and administrative efficiencies, the county council has approved moving Snohomish County’s Corrections Department out from under County Executive Aaron Reardon’s oversight and into Sheriff John Lovick office as a sheriff’s bureau, effective Jan. 1, 2009.

November 7, 2008

Council Holds the Line on General Property Taxes

Even facing a minimum $20 million budget shortfall next year as sales and excise tax revenues continue to fall, the county council decided it had to hold the line on the county’s general property tax levy at approximately $.70 per $1,000 of assessed value, or about $245 for a $350,000 home.

November 7, 2008

Flood Update:  11:30 AM Warnings Added for Monroe, Snohomish

New Flood Warnings have been issued for the Snohomish River at Monroe and Snohomish.  Flood Warnings were issued Friday morning for the Skykomish River at Gold Bar.

November 7, 2008

Flood Update:  8:30 AM - Flood Warning Declared for Skykomish River at Gold Bar

Conditions on the Skykomish River at Gold Bar have been updated from a Flood Watch to Flood Warning. River levels at Index also are rising quickly.

November 7, 2008

Flood Update:  5:40 AM - County Keeps Eye on Skykomish/Snohomish River System

Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management, confident that conditions on the Stillaguamish River have peaked, is turning its attention to the Skykomish/Snohomish River system running through the heart of the county.

November 5, 2008

County Prepares for Potential Flooding Through Friday

Snohomish County is currently under a Flood Watch, meaning weather conditions are favorable for flooding but flooding is not imminent or currently occurring.

November 3, 2008

Woman Sentenced for Animal Cruelty in Snohomish County

Jean Elledge was sentenced today to 12 months of jail and 12 months community custody after pleading guilty to 5 counts of animal cruelty in the first degree for the death of 5 horses in her care and custody in Snohomish County.

October 31, 2008

County Corrections Director Announces Resignation

Snohomish County Jail Director Steve Thompson submitted his resignation Friday, effective Dec. 31. Thompson, who has been the county’s corrections director since 2003, said his decision was predicated on the County Council’s talks of moving control of the corrections department from the Executive’s Office to the Sheriff’s Office.

October 31, 2008

County Will Retrofit Vehicles, Prevent Pollution

A state grant will allow Snohomish County to retrofit part of its diesel fleet, further reducing the county’s overall pollution emissions. The county will retrofit 24 diesel vehicles through the state Department of Ecology’s Heavy Duty Diesel Retrofit Grant Program.

October 29, 2008

Council Imposes 'Mini-City' Moratorium

The county council unanimously voted to impose a six-month moratorium on allowing mini-cities in rural Snohomish County.

October 29, 2008

Department Switch Saves County Jobs Slated for Cuts

Innovative and collaborative efforts between Snohomish County departments and the Executive’s Office will save the jobs of nearly 25 county employees.

October 28, 2008

Council to Vote Wed. on FCC Moratorium

On Wednesday, October 29th the Snohomish County Council will resume consideration of Council Chairman Dave Somers’ proposed moratorium regarding the acceptance and processing of applications for so-called “Fully Contained Communities” (FCC).

October 28, 2008

Extra Patrols Stress Safe Halloween Driving

During this Halloween’s weekend parties and festivities, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement from throughout the Puget Sound will be conducting “Surround the Sound” traffic safety patrols.

October 28, 2008

Superior Court Warns of Jury Duty Scam

Snohomish County Superior Court and the Snohomish County Clerk’s Office are warning the public to be aware of a scam involving jury service.

October 28, 2008

Change Smoke Alarm Batteries, Clocks This Weekend

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to change the batteries in their fire detectors and smoke alarms when they change their clocks this weekend.

October 27, 2008

County Urges Residents to Prepare for Fall/Winter Floods

County Executive Aaron Reardon has declared the week of Oct. 26-Nov. 1 as Flood Preparedness Week in Snohomish County, urging residents to ready themselves and their families for inclement weather this fall and winter.

October 24, 2008

Parks Department Seeks Advisory Board Members

The Snohomish County Parks and Recreation Department is seeking citizens willing to serve as appointed members of the Parks Advisory Board.

“This is a great opportunity to work closely with the county on the purchase, planning, development and operation of parks, trails, open space, natural areas, facilities and recreation programs,” Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon said.

October 22, 2008

County Council Returns to Annual Budget

On the books for only seven months, Snohomish County’s first attempt to produce a biennial (two-year) budget has become a victim of the nation’s and the world’s economic crisis that have made it very difficult to accurately estimate future county revenues.

October 22, 2008

Council Scraps Biennial Budget, Proceeds With Layoffs

The Snohomish County Council voted 4-1 Wednesday in favor of an emergency ordinance returning the county to an annual budgeting process. The move followed a letter signed by the Council Chairman on Tuesday that told departments to begin notifying employees of potential layoffs.

October 20, 2008

County Painful Bottom Line

Snohomish County continues to come to grips with the local impact of the nation’s economic crisis as it struggles to build a 2009 budget that anticipates a general fund revenue shortfall ranging from $21 to $30 million.

October 17, 2008

New Off-leash Park Opens Nov. 1 at Willis Tucker

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and other community leaders will dedicate a new off-leash dog area Nov. 1 at Willis Tucker Community Park, located at 6705 Puget Park Drive, Snohomish.

October 16, 2008

Reardon Advocates for Calm, Realistic Budget Approach

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon urged county leaders again Thursday to establish realistic revenue assumptions for 2009 and to take swift action in passing a budget.

October 15, 2008

Reardon Urges Quick Action on 2009 Budget

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has called on the County Council to pass the 2009 budget before the end of October so as to alleviate certain financial uncertainties rather than wait for the “Thanksgiving week” passage currently expected.

October 14, 2008

Somers Calls for Public Meeting to Discuss 2009 County Revenues

With the county revenue forecasts continuing to worsen, County Council Chair Dave Sommers has called for a special open public meeting Thursday with the County Executive, all elected officials and appointed department directors to discuss projected county revenues for 2009. In a matter of weeks the anticipated general fund revenue shortfall for 2009 has grown from $9 million to more than $20 million based on the 2008 adopted budget.

October 9, 2008

Council Seeks 7% and 9% Budget-Cut Strategies

In the face of worsening revenue forecasts for next year, the council has requested departments and offices to present recommendations for reducing their proposed individual budgets by seven and nine percent.

October 9, 2008

Winter Energy Assistance Program Up and Running

Snohomish County’s energy assistance program is preparing to help nearly 8,000 low-income families and elderly needing help with this winter’s energy bills. The county expects to distribute as much as $3.1 million in local, state and federal grant funds for energy assistance.

October 7, 2008

County Protects Farmland Through PDR Pilot Program

Snohomish County has preserved more than 50 acres of farmland in the Tualco Valley near Monroe through its Purchase of Development Rights pilot program.

October 6, 2008

Focus On Farming Conference Returns Nov. 20

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon welcomes farmers, chefs, growers and retailers to the 5th annual Focus on Farming Conference to be held Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Lynnwood Convention Center.

October 3, 2008

County Offers New Round of Lodging-Tax Tourism Grants

Snohomish County is currently accepting applications from public and nonprofit agencies for projects that promote tourism and overnight stays in the county.

October 3, 2008

County Council's Public Budget Panels Start

Over the next four weeks the county council will hold a series of at least 10 public panel discussions leading up to the council’s formal adoption of the county’s 2009-2010 biennial budget in November. The public can attend these panel meetings or view them live on the web. These webcasts will also be archived and can be easily viewed anytime.

October 3, 2008

Snohomish County to Co-Host Multicultural Job Fair

Snohomish County is co-sponsoring the seventh semi-annual Multicultural Employment Fair at Edmonds Community College on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

October 2, 2008

Horizon Air Proposes Flights at Paine Field

Horizon Air, a Seattle-based airline, has joined Allegiant Airlines in its pursuit of commercial flights from Snohomish County’s Paine Field, located between Everett and Mukilteo. The airline notified county officials Thursday morning of its desire to start flights as early as next summer.

October 1, 2008

County Tightens Codes Against Illegal Junkyards

On Wednesday, the county council approved recommendations for strengthening ordinances against code enforcement violators.

October 1, 2008

UDC Forum Scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 2

Snohomish County will host another public forum for the Snohomish County Unified Development Code (UDC) Update Project. The forum is an opportunity for public discussion and comment on topics that will lead to amendments to the Snohomish County Unified Development Code.

September 26, 2008

Public Invited to Comment on County Operations

The county council and county executive will jointly hold the biennial public hearing to receive public comments on the operations of all county departments. The hearing will be held Wed., Oct. 1, beginning at 11 a.m. in the Jackson Board Room on the eighth floor of the Robert J. Drewel Building on the county campus at 3000 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett.

September 25, 2008

Paine Field Disaster Drill Proves Emergency Preparedness

Snohomish County Airport’s fire department successfully rescued about 70 “victims” Thursday at Paine Field as part of a federally required disaster exercise. The Paine Field Fire Department collaborated with about 30 emergency and law-enforcement agencies to complete the drill during a steady downpour of rain.

September 24, 2008

County Wetland Banks Take Top State Honors

Snohomish County received top honors Wednesday from the Washington State Department of Ecology for its recently approved wetland mitigation banks, the first in the state to receive full local, state and federal accreditation.

September 23, 2008

County Canola Dryer Creates Step Toward New Crops, Energy

Snohomish County has started drying more than 400 acres of canola seed that local farmers will turn into biodiesel for county fleet vehicles.

September 22, 2008

Second Annual Graffiti Paint Out Deemed a Success

About 100 volunteers took a stand against graffiti this weekend by participating in the second annual Graffiti Paint Out. Volunteers from neighborhood groups, Boy Scout troops and more worked Saturday, Sept. 20, to clean up a section of BNSF Railway that leads to Everett Station. More than 12,000 passengers ride through this gateway to the city each month on Amtrak and Sounder trains.

September 19, 2008

Next Week's County Budget Preparation Meeting

Committee of the Whole Budget Deliberations: Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 11 am. Most council meetings are held in the Henry M. Jackson Board Room, in the Robert J. Drewel Building, on the County Campus at 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett.

September 18, 2008

County Recommends $3 Million for Housing/Homelessness Projects

Snohomish County’s Community Development Policy Advisory Board (PAB) has recommended 26 local projects receive more than $3 million in local and federal funding for affordable housing and homelessness projects during 2009.

September 17, 2008

Early Childhood Program Expands Healthcare Training

Snohomish County’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is partnering with UCLA/Johnson & Johnson to launch the Health Care Institute Health Improvement Project, which will help more than 200 underserved families in Snohomish County improve their health-care knowledge.

September 16, 2008

Cooper Wants to Move Corrections to Sheriff's

Snohomish County Council Vice Chair Mike Cooper announced he will propose moving the county in the direction of thirty-five other Washington counties where corrections departments are managed by the elected sheriff rather than the county executive.

September 15, 2008

Council Seeks Public’s Budget Priorities

The County Council encourages public participation in the preparation of Snohomish County’s first biennial budget for the years 2009 and 2010. Reaffirming their commitment to open, transparent government, the council continues to open new lines of communication, including a targeted web-based response form.

September 15, 2008

Early Childhood Learning Fairs Scheduled for Sept. 20

Snohomish County’s Human Services Department and its Children’s Commission will help host early childhood learning fairs at local libraries on Saturday, Sept. 20.

September 12, 2008

County Celebrates New Housing for Homeless Families

Snohomish County officials will celebrate the opening of affordable housing units recently constructed by the Housing Authority of Snohomish County (HASCO) in Monroe and Mountlake Terrace on Sept. 23 and 25.

September 12, 2008

Volunteers Needed for Sept. 20 Graffiti Paint Out

Join Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon, Sheriff John Lovick, Councilman Brian Sullivan and Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson as they take a stand against graffiti while working to make this community safer. Volunteers are needed to work side by side with these elected officials – as well as county and city staff – for the second annual Graffiti Paint Out Day to be held Saturday, Sept. 20.

September 11, 2008

Auditor Licensing and Animal Control closed September 17

The Licensing and Animal Control Services Division of the Snohomish County Auditor's Office will be closed all day on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 for all staff training. The Election and Voter Registration Division and the Recording Division of the Auditor’s Office will remain open for public service during their regular business hours.

September 10, 2008

Free Pet Microchip Clinic on Saturday 9/13

Free Pet Microchip Clinic on Saturday, September 13th for the first 200 Snohomish County resident dogs and cats.

September 10, 2008

Somers' Proposes Starting Budget from Scratch

Snohomish County Council Chair Dave Somers announced he will propose the council adopt a from-scratch budget for the 2009-2010 biennium, rather than follow past councils’ practice of relying primarily on County Executive Aaron Reardon’s proposed budget.

September 9, 2008

Local Organizations, County Partner to Promote Tourism

Eleven organizations and events have qualified for funding recently approved by County Executive Aaron Reardon and the County Council to increase county tourism and promote overnight stays at local hotels and motels.

September 8, 2008

Council OKs Sheriff’s Auto Theft Task Force

The County Council has approved an $827,185 state grant to create a multi-jurisdictional Auto Theft Prevention Task Force to implement a proactive enforcement and education campaign to put a dent in the large number of vehicles stolen annually in Snohomish County.

September 5, 2008

County Panel Offers Health Advice to Seniors

On Wednesday, Sept. 24, the Snohomish County Office of Long Term Care & Aging will conduct a panel on dental healthcare titled “32 Reasons to Smile: Oral Health As You Age.”

September 5, 2008

Council Enhances Government Transparency

Taking another major step to improve government transparency, the Snohomish County Council now offers convenient public access to electronic versions of all the council’s official documents dating back to 1980 – over 16,000 documents.

September 5, 2008

Veterans' Input Needed for Service Improvements

Veterans and community members from throughout Snohomish County will again have the opportunity to provide input to the veterans’ service providers on the kind of services they believe are needed in Snohomish County.

September 5, 2008

Health Dist Aid Leads Council Budget Forum

The Snohomish County Council has gone on the road to introduce local residents to the process of producing the county’s budget, to highlight the serious problems facing county finances, and to ask the public for their funding priorities as the county deals with declining revenues and increasing demands for services.

September 4, 2008

Reardon Proposes 2009-2010 Budget Without Tax Increase

Without recommending a property tax increase to cover a shortfall in projected revenues, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon proposed Thursday the county’s first biennial budget for 2009-2010.

September 3, 2008

Reardon Urges Disaster Preparation in September

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon urged residents this week to ready themselves for natural and manmade disasters by declaring September National Preparedness Month.

September 3, 2008

Elected Officials to Work with Council on Budget

The independently elected Snohomish County prosecuting attorney, clerk, sheriff, assessor, treasurer and auditor announced on Wednesday that they are rolling up their sleeves and are tackling the budget challenges facing the county due to the uncertain economy.

September 3, 2008

Human Services Director Confirmed by Council

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon congratulated Ken Stark on his confirmation Wednesday as the county’s Human Services director.
The County Council unanimously confirmed him Wednesday for the position.

September 2, 2008

Reardon Presents 2009-2010 Proposed Budget Sept. 4

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon will present his proposed budget to the Snohomish County Council. The budget address will take place in the First Floor Hearing Room of the Robert J. Drewel Building, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. The budget address will begin at 3 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4.

August 28, 2008

Outdoor Residential Burning Ban Canceled

A countywide burn ban issued in July will be lifted Tuesday, Sept. 2.

August 27, 2008

Parks Prepares to Open Paradise Valley Area

Snohomish County Parks and Recreation will share its trails management and use plan for the Paradise Valley Conservation Area during a public meeting on Sept. 9.

August 26, 2008

County Kicks Off New Series of Rural Lands Meetings

Beginning Sept. 3, Snohomish County will begin its second series of meetings geared toward defining a vision for its rural lands.

August 25, 2008

Reardon Rules Out Staff Pay Raises, Asks Others to Follow Suit

To continue shoring up lagging revenues, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon announced Monday that department heads and management-exempt employees reporting to the executive department will not be eligible this year for merit raises.

August 22, 2008

County Council Wants to Hear From Citizens

Three County Budget Community Forums Scheduled. Faced with declining revenues and the need to produce the county’s first two-year, biennium budget, the county council has scheduled three community forums early in September to solicit citizens’ priorities for county government.

August 15, 2008

County’s DEM Urges Wildfire Prevention Measures

Recent hot weather combined with dry land has increased the threat of urban wildfires this weekend, especially throughout Snohomish County and the Puget Sound, says Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM).

August 14, 2008

Council Approves Countywide Hiring Freeze

The Snohomish County Council has unanimously approved a county-government-wide hiring freeze effective immediately.

August 13, 2008

Council Hiring Freeze Welcome But Late

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon welcomed Wednesday’s hiring freeze passed by the County Council but criticized members for not taking action sooner.

August 8, 2008

County, Wal-Mart Expand Energy-Saving Plan

Snohomish County, in cooperation with Wal-Mart Stores, has launched an expanded program to encourage the use of compact energy and cost-efficient fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Wal-Mart Stores recently donated 4,000 CFLs to the county, allowing many more low income residents to receive these efficient light bulbs.

August 8, 2008

County Touts Fairground Stormwater Improvements

New environmental improvements at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds will enhance overall water quality and offer an opportunity to educate the public on the importance of low-impact development.

July 31, 2008

State Grant Will Restore Historic Carnegie Building

The Washington State Historical Society has recommended that Snohomish County receive more than $880,000 in grant money for the renovation of the county’s Carnegie Building.

July 31, 2008

Global Day Highlights County's Diverse Population

Snohomish County invites area residents to attend the first annual Global Day, featuring international crafts, food and music.

July 30, 2008

Reardon Vetoes $163 Million Tax-Increase Plan

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon vetoed the County Council’s proposal to institute a tax levy for the construction of a new justice center.

July 29, 2008

County Preserves Heybrook Ridge, Other Parcels

Snohomish County will assist the Cascade Land Conservancy and a grassroots group of east Snohomish County residents in finalizing their purchase of 130 acres of sensitive forestland near the recently established Wild Sky Wilderness Area known as Heybrook Ridge.

July 29, 2008

YARD grants head to Council for final approval

About $1 million in park amenity projects, funded in part with Snohomish County grants, were forwarded Tuesday by the County Executive to the County Council for final approval. 

July 25, 2008

County Sponsors Aug. 5 National Night Out Event

Join your neighbors and learn the latest in crime prevention during this year’s National Night Out Against Crime event, being held Aug. 5 at McCollum Park.

July 24, 2008

Snohomish County Delegates Approve ST2 Package

Snohomish County’s three Sound Transit delegates voted Thursday to send a transportation package to voters as part of the November ballot.

July 16, 2008

County to Break Ground on New Airport Fire Station

Snohomish County will break ground July 24 on its new Paine Field Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Station.

July 15, 2008

Summer Movies Kick Off July 17 at Willis Tucker Park

Snohomish County Parks and Recreations kicks off its annual Movies in the Park series Thursday, July 17, with the "Bee Movie" beginning at 9:40 p.m.

July 15, 2008

County Establishes, Enforces New Burn Ban

Due to high fire danger and expected dry weather conditions, Snohomish County has established an outdoor burning ban for unincorporated areas beginning 8 a.m. Thursday, July 17.

July 15, 2008

County awarded eviction prevention, assistance grant

Snohomish County will combat homelessness through a pilot eviction prevention and assistance program made possible by more than $1.6 million in state funding.

July 9, 2008

County’s Council on Aging Hosts Legislative Reception

The Snohomish County Council on Aging will host its annual legislative reception Aug. 13 at the Everett Station.

July 3, 2008

County Distributes $2 million in Homeless Funds

Snohomish County has begun distributing more than $2 million in county raised funding to support programs geared toward ending chronic homelessness.

July 2, 2008

State Offers Snohomish County Clean Audit

The Washington State Auditor recently presented Snohomish County officials with a clean financial audit, which highlights the strong steps the county has taken to managing its finances.

June 30, 2008

Grant Will Elevate Flood-Prone Homes

Snohomish County will distribute federal funding to elevate homes routinely damaged during annual flood events.

June 26, 2008

Land-Clearing Burning No Longer Allowed

A reminder that summer is not necessarily a pet-friendly time of year.

June 23, 2008

Fire Marshal Encourages Fireworks Safety

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office urges all residents to use extreme caution when lighting fireworks. In 2007, Snohomish County experienced more than $400,000 in fire loss related to fireworks usage.

June 20, 2008

Rural-Lands Meeting June 26 Last in Series

Snohomish County will host one final public meeting June 26 in a series inviting input on how rural lands should be managed or developed in the future.

June 18, 2008

Local Artists Give Face to Homelessness

An art exhibit, on display at the Snohomish County campus beginning June 25, draws awareness of the women who reside at Mary’s Place, a Seattle day center for homeless and formerly homeless women.

June 18, 2008

Reardon Applauds Decision Favoring Boeing

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon applauded a federal decision Wednesday to re-evaluate the Boeing Co.’s bid to build the U.S. Air Force’s next refueling tanker.

June 18, 2008

Meadowdale Park Repairs to Provide Trail Access

Snohomish County is completing its first round of repairs on the main trail at Meadowdale Beach Park, closed since flooding in December damaged access in three locations.

June 13, 2008

Music on the Plaza Returns for Fourth Year

Music on the Plaza returns July 9, offering local residents a chance to sit back and enjoy a festive afternoon concert at the downtown Snohomish County Campus in Everett.

June 11, 2008

Finalized Homeless Numbers Increase Slightly

Updated numbers show Snohomish County’s Point in Time homeless count in January are slightly higher than initially reported.

June 10, 2008

Art Alliance Honors County Executive

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has been named a 2008 Local Hero by the Washington State Arts Alliance and will be honored during the group’s annual meeting July 1 at the Edmonds Center for the Arts.

June 5, 2008

County Council Reaffirms Commitment Opposing Commercial Passenger Air Service at Paine Field

For the fourth time in almost 30 years, the Snohomish County Council has restated its opposition to commercial air passenger services operating from Paine Field, the county-owned airport located adjacent to south Everett, Mukilteo and Lynnwood.

June 3, 2008

County Continues Code Update Meetings

Snohomish County will continue its planning code updates with another public forum scheduled Thursday, June 5. Meetings provide an opportunity for open discussion on topics that could lead to amendments to the Snohomish County Unified Development Code.

June 3, 2008

County Cleanup at Mariner Deemed a Success

About 250 residents participated in Saturday’s local cleanup, where residents in a targeted area were invited to dump their trash and recycling – mostly for free – to give the neighborhood a face-lift.

June 2, 2008

County Hires New Human Services Director

Following a national search, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has selected Kenneth Stark as the new county human services director.

May 30, 2008

County Seeks Input on Performance Measures

The Snohomish County Executive’s Office is refining the measures it uses to gauge how well county government is performing. Residents are being asked to play a key role.

May 30, 2008

County Grants Leverage $1 Million in Park Projects

Standing before a half-finished playground at Forest View Elementary School on Friday, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon announced a list of grant recipients under the county’s latest effort to spur construction of new park amenities.

May 30, 2008

SnoGold Hosts Brown-Bag Lunch Wednesday, June 4

SnoGold 2010 will be hosting a brown-bag lunch on Wednesday, June 4, at Everett Community College, to update Snohomish County residents on preparations for the 2010 Olympics in British Columbia.

May 27, 2008

Snohomish County History Worthy of Preservation

As part of the local observance of this year’s National Preservation Month in May, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has proclaimed the week of May 25-31 as Snohomish County Historic Preservation Week.

May 23, 2008

County to repave 125 Miles of Roadway

Snohomish County and partnering cities will begin resurfacing about 125 miles of roadway as part of an annual resurfacing project. 

May 21, 2008

Special Agricultural Recycling Events Scheduled

Local farmers can recycle their nursery containers, plastic baling twine, empty hay bale bags and more for free during upcoming agricultural recycling events in Stanwood and Monroe.  

May 20, 2008

Snohomish County Garners Variety of Honors

Snohomish County and individual departments recently were honored by various organizations and nonprofits for a number of projects.

May 20, 2008

County Meetings Focus on Rural Development

In June, Snohomish County will launch a project to update its policies and regulations for managing growth and development in rural areas.

May 16, 2008

Reardon, Sullivan Oppose Airline's Request for Paine Field Flights

A Nevada-based commercial airline has expressed interest in beginning flights to Las Vegas from Snohomish County’s Paine Field, located between Everett and Mukilteo.

May 14, 2008

Reardon Releases Report on County Government Inclusion

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon released his 2008 Inclusion Report Wednesday, outlining department goals and achievements during the past year. 

May 13, 2008

County Cleanup of Skyview Area Continues

Snohomish County began removing trash and debris Tuesday from an illegal junkyard that has become a safety and environmental hazard south of Sultan in an area known as Skyview Tracts.

May 13, 2008

Cathcart Plan Mixes Jobs, Transit and Green Living

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon unrolled his plan Tuesday to create  sustainable living, working and recreational opportunities on more than 600 acres of public land known as the Cathcart property.

May 12, 2008

County Council, Executive Honor Herald’s Jim Haley

The Snohomish County Council and County Executive jointly approved a resolution honoring Jim Haley upon his retirement after 42 years with The Herald of Everett.

May 7, 2008

County Honors Fallen Soldier, Employee

Snohomish County will recognize and honor one of its own employees Monday, May 12, following his recent death while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

May 6, 2008

Conference Will Focus on Poverty’s Impacts

Nationally renowned public speaker and educator Donna Beegle will explore issues surrounding poverty at the 11th annual InterChange Conference on May 20 at the Edmonds Conference Center.

May 5, 2008

Multicultural Job Fair Offers Opportunities

Snohomish County is co-sponsoring Thursday’s semi-annual Multicultural Employment and Resource Fair to be held at the Everett Community College Parks Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May 5, 2008

County Fire Marshal Requests Help in Stopping Arson

As part of National Arson Awareness Week (May 4-10), the Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s office is asking residents to become more vigilant in watching for intentionally set fires.

May 1, 2008

Reardon Appoints Economic Development Director

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has appointed Donna Ambrose as his new director of economic development.

April 30, 2008

County Council Declares Support for Aerospace Machinists and Workers

The Snohomish County Council joined the growing chorus of community leaders expressing their outrage over the U.S. military’s awarding of a vital U.S. Air Force air refueling tanker contract to the European-based Airbus consortium.

April 25, 2008

County’s Climate Task Force Meets April 28

Snohomish County’s Green Ribbon Climate Task Force will meet again Monday, April 28. Appointed by County Executive Aaron Reardon, the task force is a group of community members and leaders, whose purpose is to develop a plan for adapting to climate change in part by reducing local greenhouse-gas emissions 20 percent below year 2000 levels by 2020.

April 25, 2008

County Opens New Cathcart Operations Center

Snohomish County is opening its new Cathcart Way Operations Center, which will house about 250 employees. More importantly, it will allow the county to consolidate a number of Public Works maintenance operations, providing cost-savings and timelier responses.

April 25, 2008

County expands Program for Vulnerable Preschoolers

Snohomish County will expand a free preschool program geared toward helping children of low-income families succeed in public school. 

April 25, 2008

County Imposes Temporary Zoning to Protect Mobile Home Parks

Seeking additional time to find a means to halt a growing low-income and senior citizen housing crisis caused by the continuing conversion of existing mobile home parks to more lucrative commercial uses, the Snohomish County Council voted unanimously to impose a temporary, new mobile home park zoning category on the approximately 53 such parks in the unincorporated county.

April 22, 2008

Housing/Homelessness Committee Meets April 23

The Snohomish County Housing and Homelessness Policy Oversight Committee will meet again Wednesday, April 23, to discuss ongoing plans to end homelessness and increase affordable housing options.  

April 22, 2008

David Hambelton Appointed to County Planning Commission

The Snohomish County Council has approved the appointment of David Hambelton to a four-year term on the county Planning Commission. Hambelton will represent the second county council district. He is a resident of Everett and was nominated by County Councilmember Brian Sullivan.

April 21, 2008

Condominium Owners to Receive New Assessed Value Notices

The Snohomish County Assessor’s Office announced that they will be mailing new assessment notices to most condominium (condo) property owners today.  The notices will reflect the market value of property as of January 1st 2008 and will be used to calculate property taxes in 2009. 

April 18, 2008

County to Present Honorees with DUI/Traffic Safety Awards

The Snohomish County DUI and Traffic Safety Task Force will host its annual awards ceremony on Friday, April 25. Awards are given to honor individuals and organizations for their work in raising awareness of traffic safety.

April 17, 2008

Works of Prominent Artist Featured at Courthouse

"The Book of Fishing," a series of seven linocut block prints by Seattle-based artist and author Barbara Earl Thomas, will be on exhibit in the first-floor lobby of the Snohomish County Courthouse beginning Friday, April 18.

April 16, 2008

Getchell Road to be Closed two Days in May

Beginning 7 a.m. Saturday, May 3, Snohomish County Public Works will close Little Pilchuck Creek Bridge #453 on Getchell Road for two days of repair work.

April 11, 2008

Citizens Asked for Input on New Community Park

Snohomish County is seeking input from citizens on the design of a new community park located to the east of Bothell. Residents are encouraged to attend a public meeting April 22 to discuss the future of 12 acres acquired with funding provided by King County as mitigation for the Brightwater sewage-treatment plant.

April 11, 2008

Reardon Proposes Changes to Farm-Protection Program

Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon today proposed a series of changes to the county’s Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program.

April 09, 2008

County Promotes Tourism through Grant Program

Snohomish County is currently accepting applications from public and nonprofit agencies for projects that develop and promote tourism in the county.

April 02, 2008

County, City and Citizens Celebrate Lundeen Creek Restoration

Snohomish County, Lake Stevens and a host of community members and volunteers will join together Saturday, April 5, to celebrate the completion of the Lundeen Creek Restoration Project.

March 31, 2008

Salary Commission Approves Cost-of-Living Adjustments

The Snohomish County Citizens’ Commission on Salaries of Elected Officials approved on Monday a schedule for granting cost-of-living adjustment or COLA salary increases for elected officials during 2009 and 2010. The commission approved the cost-of-living adjustment for elected officials with no increase to their base salary.

March 28, 2008

Salary Commission Proposes Cost-of-Living Increases

The Snohomish County Citizens’ Commission on Salaries of Elected Officials will discuss Monday a proposed schedule for increasing elected officials pay during 2009 and 2010.

March 27, 2008

County Will Give Biennial Budgeting a Try

Taking its cue from a recent voter-endorsed Charter Review Commission recommendation, the county council today approved changing Snohomish County’s budgeting cycle from annual to biennial -- once every two years -- with the opportunity to make changes at the halfway point. The county’s first biennial budget technically goes into effect next year, although preparing the 2009-2010 budget begins almost immediately.

March 27, 2008

Aerospace company relocates to Paine Field

Korry Electronics announced today that it will be relocating to available property at Snohomish County Paine Field Airport.

March 27, 2008

County Council Clerk Honored

Kathryn Bratcher, Clerk of the Snohomish County Council, received the "President’s Award of Distinction" from the Washington Municipal Clerks Association (WMCA) at the group’s recent annual conference in Wenatchee. Bratcher is the first county municipal clerk to receive this award.

March 25, 2008

Gossett Offers Funding Plan for Regional Justice Center Construction

County Councilmember Dave Gossett today unveiled a funding plan for the construction of a long-planned Regional Justice Center.

March 21, 2008

Salary Commission Meets Again Monday, March 24

The Snohomish County Citizens’ Commission on Salaries of Elected Officials will hold its second meeting Monday, March 24, to review the salary schedule for elected officials for 2009 and 2010.

March 19, 2008

Council Seeks Solutions to Conversion Crisis

With many mobile home parks residents facing eviction, the County Council is seeking solutions to the Mobile Home Park Conversion Crisis. Reacting to the pending closure of several large local mobile home parks, the county council today called for a fast-paced consideration of possible incentives and code changes to protect the mostly low-income senior citizen residents of these complexes.

March 19, 2008

Tax Help Available for Vulnerable Populations

Snohomish County is urging local stakeholders such as charities, churches, employers, local governments and other social-service providers to reach out to residents who may be eligible for the 2008 Economic Stimulus Payment but don’t know it. Many low-income families and senior citizens don’t earn enough to typically file federal tax returns, or they receive non-taxable assistance including Social Security and Veterans Affairs’ benefits. Yet, they still may be eligible to receive a payment under the approved federal plan.

March 17, 2008

Climate-Change Committee to Begin Meetings

The inaugural meeting of the Snohomish County Green Ribbon Climate Task Force is scheduled for Monday, March 24. Appointed by County Executive Aaron Reardon, the task force is a group of community members and leaders, whose purpose is to develop a plan for adapting to climate change and reducing community-wide greenhouse-gas emissions 20 percent below year 2000 levels by the year 2020.

March 17, 2008

County to Collect Mercury at Free April Event

To reduce the amount of potential mercury exposure in Snohomish County, the Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Station at 3434 McDougall Ave., Everett, will accept free of charge bulk mercury and mercury-containing devices between April 23-26.

March 13, 2008

Reardon’s Housing Task Force Sets Priorities

Snohomish County’s newest housing and homelessness task force will target issues concerning manufactured-housing preservation, homeless veteran housing and homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income families.

March 12, 2008

Bus Ads Highlight 'Secure Your Load' Campaign

Snohomish County’s new, eye-catching advertising campaign on the back of commuter buses is virtually guaranteed to remind residents to safely secure their truck or car loads. Ten Community Transit buses will feature the new ads – a "full wrap" bus back with an image of a dangerously unsecured load hanging off a truck – that deliver a strong message to a large audience throughout the year.