PRESS RELEASE
ADMINISTRATION 

Oct. 15, 2009
For Immediate Release 
Contact:  Kate Reardon
Public Information Director
kreardon@ci.everett.wa.us
425-257-8687 or cell 425-418-0936

Everett City Council opposes Initiative 1033
The Nov. 3 ballot measure would cap city revenue growth

EVERETT – On Wednesday evening, the Everett City Council voted unanimously to oppose Initiative 1033, which would limit certain state, county and city revenue to annual inflation and population growth.

Voters will consider the ballot measure on Nov. 3.

Initiative 1033 would undermine the city’s ability to make long-term infrastructure investments and provide essential services to residents.

If approved by voters, the State Office of Financial Management estimates that by 2015, I-1033 would result in a $5.9 billion reduction in state general fund revenues, a $2.1 billion reduction in cities’ general fund revenues and a $694 million reduction in counties’ general fund revenues.

I-1033 would eliminate the city’s ability to contribute to rainy day funds that would provide for unanticipated costs that would arise from a natural disaster or other types of emergencies.  It would restrict the city from using incremental revenues to build infrastructure and make essential public investments.

Residents would likely see the impacts of this initiative in reduced services such as parks, public safety police and fire, street improvements and maintenance and maintenance of city-owned buildings such as city hall, fire stations, police stations and libraries. 

1033 would restrict the ability to manage funds and protect public health and welfare.  Council members noted the Initiative would not permit the Mayor or City Council to manage funds to weather difficult financial times like the current recession.