MARYSVILLE – As expected, the City Council voted Monday to put a measure on the Aug. 7 ballot that would raise money for a new police station and jail.
The measure would add .1 percent to the city sales tax, which would add 10 cents to a $100 purchase.
The current Public Safety Building, built in 1986, is too small. The jail is sometimes overcrowded so more inmates can’t be taken in. Also, the police staff is growing along with the population, and there is not enough room in the current facility for them.
The Marysville jail is only one of two misdemeanor jails in Snohomish County and an integral part of the city’s public safety strategy. Without such a facility, Marysville police would lose the ability to immediately arrest individuals for most misdemeanor crimes. The Public Safety Building was funded through a voter-approved bond that was paid off over 30 years. In 1986, the city had about 8,000 residents. Now Marysville has 67,000 residents.
If voters approve, the sales tax increase could provide the city about $800,000 a year, about 70 percent of the estimated debt payment of $1.138 million for a bond-funded Police Services Building. The remaining 30 percent would come from the city’s General Fund.
The city hopes to build the $20 million facility near Comeford Park and could be part of a larger Civic Campus that would cost $23 million more. Current city properties would be sold to pay for that portion of the project.
“Over the next few months, we will work hard to provide as much information as possible to our public on the proposed building and its role in community safety,” said Gloria Hirashima, Marysville’s chief administrative officer. Fire Chief Martin McFalls reminded everyone that it’s a replacement jail, not a new one. “It’s a deterrent” to crime, he said. “It gets criminals off the street.”
For details go to www.marysvillewa.gov/972/Criminal-Justice-Tax-Proposal.
Planning growth
Planning director Dave Koenig said a lot of interest is being shown for the Arlington Marysville Manufacturing and Industrial Center. A boatbuilder and a business that has been in Seattle since 1937 are interested. “Sometimes they come back, sometimes they don’t,” he said.
At the Kiwanis Club meeting Wednesday, he also said:
•The Port of Everett with a vested interest in seeing the MIC become more robust as there are 500 cargo containers that come in and are related to existing business in the MIC.
•237 businesses already are in the MIC, but many are one- or 2-person. Currently there are 7,600 jobs there. But 1,750 acres are vacant or prime for redevelopment.
•In Marysville, new-business licenses went from 327 in 2017 to 561 in 2017. This year through the first quarter, 136 licenses have been issued.
•NW Auto Recyclers of Lake Stevens has applied for a conditional use permit to move north of 136th at 40th. •A Harbor Freights Tools is moving into the old Albertson’s on State and 116th. A Dollar Store and other businesses plan to move into the adjacent strip mall. •Snohomish County Excavating and other construction firms are locating to the area.
•The Construction Industry Training Council of Washington in Bellevue is expanding with a new training facility in Marysville at 124th off State Avenue. The center provides plumbing, electrical and construction training, apprenticeships and more. •A number of car dealerships also are in the works.
Library levy
Marysville librarian Eric Spencer talked about the Sno-Isle levy. Voters should have their ballots now. They must be returned by April 24. It asks for 47 cents per $1,000 valuation in property taxes. On a $300,000 home, that would be $141 a year. Property taxes pay for 98 percent of the Sno-Isle budget. Instead of raising taxes earlier, Sno-Isle has been using reserves.
Spencer said libraries continue to evolve as people’s reading habits change. He said 270,000 folks visited their website, and 470,000 items were checked out. “There’s a strong, healthy demand for a wide variety of materials,” he said. He added that 50,000 people used their computers and 17,000 unique devices connected to their internet. “Cost-conscious” families are the ones helped most often with school or business work, applications or other forms.
The library also offers numerous programs for all ages, including early literacy storytimes.
Also Monday
•City Attorney Jon Walker explained the new noise law the council passed. “It’s more effective and efficient,” he said, adding police can come back within 24 hours and make an arrest for “those who can’t follow directions.”
•Former mayor Daryl Brennick and his brother, former city councilman Jim Brennick, presented an aerial photo of the city from 1982. •Councilman Tom King said the Strawberry Festival float won the Spirit Award at the recent Daffodil Parade.
•Leases were extended until July 31 for Marysville Extended Shelter Home Services.
Arlington looks
at complete streets
ARLINGTON – While people’s love affair with cars has been a way of life ingrained in American society for decades, some communities are taking a look at how people get around – from viewpoints other than a car window.
A new Arlington initiative, the Complete Streets project, aims to improve everyday life for residents through better development of streets, walkways and bicycle infrastructure.
Residents will have a chance to shape the program at a workshop from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 26 in the Arlington Airport Office, 18204 59th Ave. NE.
The Complete Streets philosophy also addresses other benefits, such as encouraging better health and exercise for young people with a high rate of obesity, “green” streets that promote a healthier environment, and social equity for transportation users.
For details go to arlingtonwa.gov.
