Mountlake Terrace advances package to close budget gap
EVERETT — The Mountlake Terrace City Council advanced a budget proposal Thursday that includes two large property tax increases to close the city’s projected budget gap.
The council voted 5-2 to advance the proposal, which allows staff to prepare budget materials for the council to vote on later this year. Mayor Pro Tem Bryan Wahl and council member Laura Sonmore voted against the proposal, citing the large tax increases.
The city estimates an average budget gap of $4.2 million per year through 2030. Through 2035, the average projected gap is $5.4 million. In 2027, the city’s reserves are projected to drop below the minimum threshold required by its financial policy.
The gap stems from rising prices for city services combined with a limited ability to raise revenues through property taxes, City Manager Jeff Niten said.
https://www.heraldnet.com/2026/05/08/mountlake-terrace-advances-package-to-close-budget-gap/