The City of Bothell is creating a new storm and surface water master plan.  This plan will unify and guide Bothell's future related to surface water health, storm water handling, and flood management. Open House Session 2 will take place on Thursday, April 23 from 7:30 to 8:30 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn.

 The last time a plan like this was prepared was in 1994. Much has changed since then. Over the next 8 to 12 months, there will be a process to provide several opportunities for the public to direct, advise, and improve the plan where possible.  If you are interested in being involved, please contact the Surface Water Program Coordinator at janet.geer@ci.bothell.wa.us and ask to be added to the contact list. Read more.

The RFA Planning Committee continues to meet to look into the feasibility of creating a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) that would combine local departments and districts, creating a special purpose district through a vote of the people.  

A feasibility study was completed in March and recently presented to the Bothell City Council.  The study provides a financial and operational analysis of the City of Bothell, King County Fire District 16 (Northshore), Snohomish County Fire District 10 and Woodinville Fire & Rescue.  Data were collected from each agency and interviews were conducted with elected officials, staff and through community forums.  The feasibility study and the six-year cost analysis for Bothell Fire and E.M.S. are currently scheduled for additional Council discussion on May 5 and May 19, 2015. Read more. 

Did you know that short-term home rentals (less than 30 days) may be taxable? Sales tax needs to be collected on all home rentals when a real estate professional is involved in collecting the rental amounts. If a real estate professional is not involved, the homeowner is responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax on their third short-term rental. The state tax rate is 6.5 percent. The local tax rate depends on where the rental property is located. Questions? Contact the Department of Revenue at 800-647-7706. Read more.