The Snohomish County Council unanimously adopted motion 09-293 on Monday July 6, formally giving guidance to Executive Aaron Reardon on its priorities for the 2010 budget.

The Council identified an over-arching theme of "Strengthening Our Economy and Preserving Essential County Services" for 2010.

"Our priorities include the protection of vulnerable citizens, strengthening the economic health of the county, and providing solutions for the long-term viability of public health services." said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "By addressing these issues in the budget we hope to keep the county strong through this challenging economic period."

It is essential to the County's budget process that there is a transparent discussion of strategies between the County Council and County Executive. Identifying priorities early and providing guidance to the Executive promotes an exchange of ideas that is more likely to address the issues that concern Snohomish County citizens.

"We look forward to working cooperatively with the Executive in adopting this budget," said Gossett. "Hopefully sharing our priorities early will be helpful in the decision making process".

The motion adopted by the Council identified jobs and improving the county's economy as a top priority. Finding solutions to the county's long term transportation needs was also stressed.  

"Building transportation projects will make the county more livable and promote future economic growth while providing employment opportunities now," said Gossett. "I will continue to work to accelerate transportation projects."

The bid climate is particularly good for public works projects at this time. Recent bids have come in 30 to 50% below the engineer's estimates.

"This creates a real win-win situation," noted Gossett. " We can create jobs, build for the future, and get the taxpayer a great return on their investment."

The Executive will present his proposed budget plan to the Council in late September.

Surface Water Grant to be awarded to Snohomish County

Snohomish County is being recommended to receive $315,360 to implement stream and buffer enhancements along North Creek (in between Bothell and Mill Creek). The Clearwater School and Commons is a privately owned school in the middle reach of North Creek (approximately 3.3 miles) between 208th St SE (Thrashers Corner) and 164th St SE (City of Mill Creek).

Separately, the county has already received $75,000 from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to implement this same project.

"This is a very important project for fish habitat," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "It was proposed as part of the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Plan and currently is included on the WRIA 8 priority 3-Year project list."

After funding approval the county and state will jointly develop a contract for Council approval before the end of the year. 

"With reduced revenues due to the recession the county would not have been able to move forward with this project this year," said Gossett. "These grants will allow us to move forward and complete the project."

The project (stretching along 1500 lineal feet of North Creek) will include:

·               Securinga donated conservation easement;

·               Removing riprap and a footbridge, stabilizing eroding stream banks, and installing large woody debris (LWD) to a level comparable to natural wood load;

·               Restoring riparian vegetation and functions by removing invasive species and nonnative upland fill material, and planting native trees and shrubs;

·               Engaginglocal residents and students in the restoration project and in ongoing project stewardship.

"The project work builds on other successful habitat restoration within the North Creek sub basin already implemented by Snohomish County," said Gossett. "This work will really complement the restoration done on a quarter-mile of North Creek 1/2 mile downstream at Twin Creeks."