Snohomish County Tribune

MONROE — The city is initiating a sales tax for criminal justice needs. It becomes effective in January. It will raise about $750,000 for the city’s municipal court, police department, and related services. The average Monroe resident will pay $1.83 more in sales tax per month with the one-tenth-of-one-percent sales tax increase. Costs including increases to county jail rates and new state requirements to have more public defenders will increase costs by 2028.

MONROE — On Oct. 5, justices at the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of past rulings against the “Snohomish Eight,” a group of Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue (SRFR) firefighters who say their religious freedoms were trampled by being put on leave for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine during the height of the pandemic. The eight firefighters had refused to take the vaccine on religious grounds.

Snohomish County’s senior centers recently celebrated National Senior Center Month by hosting 12 spaghetti dinner fundraisers throughout the county this September. But senior centers are about more than meals and activities. For many older adults, they can serve as community hubs to find friendship, food, resources, activities, and a sense of belonging.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY — The Snohomish County Council is evaluating a budget restructural proposal that would separate the county’s Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (MH/DD) Levy and Veteran Levy from the General Levy. Separating the levies will result in a property tax increase of about $26.90 per year on a $741,000 home, according to the county.

EVERETT — Land used as a food truck park at 6731 Beverly Boulevard will be reoriented to be available for affordable housing. In August, the city transferred the 0.81 acre lot on Beverly Boulevard from its water and sewer utility fund to its affordable housing fund, setting the stage for a potential affordable or low-income housing development.

SNOHOMISH — Once Matt Johnson’s manufacturing class filed in, he beelined it to his longtime friend Jeff Winn and gave him a bear hug last Tuesday. “I’m so proud of this guy,” Winn beamed. Both teach high school shop classes in the state, and go roadtripping in their off time. At a presentation, a philanthropy arm of Harbor Freight Tools, called Tools for Schools, awarded Johnson and Snohomish High a teaching prize of $75,000. Johnson is sharing the wealth.

SNOHOMISH — The county’s public health authority recently demanded that a Snohomish apartment owner address an exposed septic pit sited less than 10 feet from bedrooms among other items raised in a recently issued violation letter.

Glacier Peak senior Matt Kowalski (4) hauls in a pass in the end zone against Kamiak on Friday, Oct. 2, at Glacier Peak High School. Kowalski scored three touchdowns as the Grizzlies defeated the Knights 40-14, improving to 3-2 on the season.

EVERETT — The Downtown Everett Association (DEA) last week launched the development of its Downtown Vision and Action Plan, a comprehensive effort to help shape the future of Everett’s core downtown district. The Association is asking for volunteers to help with part of the  work. There will be public meetings as well. People are asked to volunteer to observe two public space locations on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from noon-1 p.m. and Saturday, Oct.

Lake Stevens’ Noe Tupua (24) battles Snohomish’s Chloe Dauer (12) for possession during Tuesday night’s non-league matchup at Lake Stevens High School. Tupua scored two goals as the Vikings defeated the Panthers 4-2 on Sept. 29.