Edmonds City Council Regular Meeting – January 13, 2026
Edmonds City Council Regular Meeting – January 13, 2026
The Edmonds City Council met in regular session on January 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Key actions included a proclamation for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an update on annexation discussions with Esperance, and approval of a one-tenth of one percent sales tax increase for the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) to fund street and sidewalk maintenance. The tax passed 5–2 after a failed motion to postpone indefinitely.
Presentations
- Proclamation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Mayor's Office): Mayor Rosen read a proclamation designating January 19, 2026, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Donnie Griffin, President of Lift Every Voice Legacy, spoke about the importance of the day and thanked Steve Shelton for his support in bringing the celebration to Edmonds. Shelton urged community members to attend the January 19 event at the Edmonds Waterfront Center (9:30 AM – noon).
- Mayor's Finance Update – Esperance Annexation: Mayor Rosen reported that discussions with Esperance regarding potential annexation have resumed. The city has requested detailed data (crime stats, infrastructure condition, debt, permits) to evaluate fiscal impacts. If pursued, a timeline for annexation could be 2027, with possible state tax incentives to offset costs. A milestone schedule will be shared with the community.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously: Committee A meeting minutes (January 6, 2026), regular meeting minutes (January 6, 2026), payroll and benefit checks (12/16/2025–12/31/2025), job order contracts for Public Safety Building gutter replacement, professional services agreements for Highway 99 Revitalization Stages 3 and 4, extension of appointment for Acting Officers (HR Director and City Administrator), Washington Traffic Safety Commission interagency agreement, Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) contract for kenneling services, limited staff services agreement for clinical oversight of social worker, Council confirmation of appointment of Sean Leiser to the Architectural Design Board, and PROTEC17 MOU for 2026 wages.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public signed up to speak during audience comments, either in person or via Zoom.
Discussion Items
- Resolution Appointing a Representative to the Community Transit Board Selection Process: Councilmember Olson motioned to appoint Councilmember Payne as Edmonds' representative. Councilmember Payne highlighted her four years as an alternate on the Community Transit board and expressed support. The motion passed unanimously.
- Transportation Benefit District Sales Tax (Ordinance): Acting City Administrator Todd Tatum and Public Works Director Andy Rayum presented a proposal to add a 0.1% sales tax (raising the city's cumulative rate to 10.7%) for 10 years, projected to generate $660,000 in 2026 and approximately $1 million annually thereafter. Funds would be restricted to street and sidewalk maintenance, staffing three positions, reinstating the trip hazard program, enabling ADA ramp replacements (1,400–1,500 needed citywide), and reducing a $400,000 transfer from the general fund. A motion to approve was made by Councilmember Nan.
- Supporters (Councilmembers Nan, Payne, Chen, Olson, Eck): Argued the tax is a sustainable, targeted revenue source for core infrastructure; 92% of residents rated streets as very or extremely important; it relieves general fund stress; delays worsen deferred maintenance and legal obligations (e.g., stormwater permit). Noted that neighboring cities (Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Lynnwood) are at 10.6% and may also raise rates, making Edmonds only temporarily the highest.
- Opponents (Councilmembers Barnett and Dash): Called for a comprehensive, holistic approach to all taxes with performance metrics and clearer public communication. Expressed concern about tax fatigue, harm to local businesses (highest sales tax in state), and potential revenue loss if sales decline. Council President Dash moved to postpone the item indefinitely, arguing the piecemeal approach and rapid succession of tax increases (utility tax in prior meeting, levy lid lift failure) stressed constituents.
- Motion to Postpone Indefinitely: Debated; failed 2–5 (Barnett and Dash in favor; others opposed).
- After the motion failed, the main motion was approved 5–2 (Nan, Payne, Chen, Olson, Eck in favor; Barnett and Dash opposed).
Key Outcomes
- Community Transit Board Representative: Approved appointment of Councilmember Payne unanimously.
- Transportation Benefit District Sales Tax: Ordinance approved (5–2). The 0.1% sales tax will take effect, bringing the city's total sales tax to 10.7%. Funds are restricted to transportation improvements per RCW 36.73. Staff will track metrics including pavement condition index, ADA ramp installations, trip hazard claims, and resident satisfaction surveys.
- Consent Agenda: All items approved as presented.
- Executive Session: Council convened for 60 minutes to discuss pending/potential litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i), extended to 8:20 PM. Reconvened at 8:20 PM for council comments and adjournment.
- Council Comments: Included updates on upcoming events (Lynnwood Wastewater Treatment Plant informational meetings, Chamber of Commerce Morning Buzz, Hummingbird Hill Park cleanup) and a correction of meeting date. Councilmember Chen reported on Port of Edmonds commission election.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 PM.
Meeting Transcript
To the January 13th meeting of the Edmonds City Council, I will now call that meeting to order. Please join me in the flag salute. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. For the land acknowledgement, Council President Dash, please. We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Snohomish people and their successors, the Tlayup tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and water. Thank you. Councilmember Eck. Councilmember Chen. Councilmember Barnett. Council President Dodge. Councilmember Olsen. Councilmember Payne. Councilmember Nand. Mayor Rosen. All elected officials are present. Thank you very much. Our next item of business is approval of the agenda. It's been moved and seconded. All in favor of approving the agenda, please raise your hand and say aye. Aye. Aye. Anyone opposed, please raise your hand and say nay. Motion is passed unanimously. Thank you. Our next item of business is presentations, and our first one is a proclamation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. And joining me at the podium will be Donnie Griffith and Steve Shelton. You're looking pretty mirrored over this nice looking trans. I was admiring his shoes. Not everybody can pull that off. Where Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. devoted his life to advancing equal equality, social justice, and opportunity for all, and challenged all Americans to participate in the never-ending work of building a more perfect union. And whereas in 1964, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Prize for his nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice in America. And whereas Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. encouraged Americans to come together, regardless of age, race, or creed, to strengthen their communities to alleviate poverty, and to value the dignity and respect inherent in all people. And whereas in his letter from a Birmingham jail, he wrote, I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta, not and not be concerned about what is happening in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. And whereas we remember his legacy as an American hero and tireless social advocate at the VIST, who called upon our country to ensure equal justice under the law. And whereas the third Monday of January is designated a federal holiday honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and whereas his teachings continue to guide and inspire us in addressing challenges in our communities. Now, therefore, I Mike Rosen, Mayor of the City of Edmonds, do hereby acknowledge January 19th, 2026 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and call upon the people of Edmonds to reflect upon our individual attitudes and prejudices and to establish or renew our commitments to equal justice under the law and respect for our fellow human beings.
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