Snohomish County’s next two-year budget is drawing competing approaches to property taxes and spending, with a public hearing still ahead in the council’s online schedule.
Councilmember Nate Nehring is advocating a property-tax freeze and lower spending to balance the 2027-28 budget. County Executive Dave Somers’ recommended budget combines revenue increases with staffing and program reductions.
For residents, the decisions reach beyond a tax bill. They shape the county services that cities, towns and unincorporated communities depend on.
What the executive proposed
In his Sept. 1 budget address, Somers recommended a total two-year budget of $3.37 billion, including $786.6 million in the general fund.
He said the property-tax proposal would use a 1% annual levy increase, remaining banked taxing capacity and changes to dedicated levies. Combined, he estimated those property-tax changes at about $41 more per year for a home valued at $741,000. That is the executive’s example, rather than a calculation for every household.
Somers also described about $22 million in departmental spending reductions. He said his proposal included fewer positions in Public Works and Planning and Development Services, an eliminated animal-control position and reduced rapid testing in the Medical Examiner’s Office. He said the testing reduction would lengthen the time needed for death-investigation results.
A call for additional restraint
In a written announcement shared this week, Nehring called for keeping property taxes at current levels and reducing spending instead. The written summary does not itemize the reductions. Specific program effects will depend on the amendments and spending decisions the council considers.
The choices therefore need to be examined together: the revenue being proposed, the particular spending changes, and the effect on the people who use or deliver each service.
Follow the public process
The council’s tracking record for proposed budget ordinance 26-060 lists a public hearing on Nov. 10, 2026. Its status remained Public Hearing when checked Oct. 30.
Residents can read the proposal and hearing materials through that file. Check the county budget page and meeting calendar for the current agenda, time and participation instructions before attending.
Sources: Somers’ Sept. 1 budget address, pages 6-9; Nehring’s budget announcement; Snohomish County Council budget record. Figures describe proposals and attributed estimates, not a final adopted budget.
