Budget presentation spells out big cuts for Everett amid deficit

EVERETT — Amid a looming $12.6 budget million deficit, Everett city officials presented a preliminary look at sweeping budget cuts that would affect multiple departments throughout city government, from deferred street maintenenace to library hours.

Some of the proposed cuts were permenant, like labor reductions through layoffs and furloughs. Others were temporary, such as suspending contributions to police and fire LEOFF 1 pension funds in 2025 — pension plans for law enforcement officers and firefighters hired before Oct. 1, 1977 — and a dramatic reduction in street overlay projects over the next year.

City Finance Director Heide Brillantes said layoffs would affect the council and mayor’s office, internal support services, city communication, economic development as well as parking and code enforcement. The cuts would eliminate the city’s park ranger program, delay custodial services and reduce library hours. Cuts would also suspend an arts and culture grant program and reduce the budget for playground and park repair.

These cuts, the city said, would lead to a balanced budget in 2025, but the forecast for upcoming years predicts deficits increasing each year, with another $6.8 million deficit predicted in 2026, increasing to $32.9 million by 2030.

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