Bothell to weigh $468.8M two-year budget with police cameras, parking enforcement, and new sales taxes

What the records say

In materials published ahead of the September 15 meeting, the record said staff would present an overview of the proposed 2027–2028 Biennial Budget. The proposed budget totals $468,818,011, with a General Fund budget of $180,529,596 ¹. The budget is balanced across all funds, according to the record ¹. No action was requested at the meeting; instead, the council was expected to identify questions and topics for further discussion at October and November meetings ¹. The available records do not establish the meeting's outcome.

• The proposed 2027–28 budget totals $468,818,011, balanced across all funds, with a General Fund of $180,529,596.
• A proposed 0.1% Criminal Justice Sales Tax would add ten cents per $100 taxable purchase and generate about $2 million yearly.
• A proposed 0.01% Human Services Sales Tax would add one cent per $100 purchase for children and family services.
• A $2 million police body-worn camera program would include 80 cameras and two new full-time staff positions.
• A $1 million Downtown Parking Management Program would add enforcement staffing, technology, and signage.
• Utility rate increases are proposed: water 6.25%, sanitary sewer 8%, and stormwater 5.75% in both 2027 and 2028.
• The proposed 2027–2033 Capital Facilities Plan covers 100 projects with $253 million in secured capital funding.
• A regular 1% property tax levy increase is estimated to generate about $325,000 for the City and $21,000 for EMS.

Why it matters

The proposed budget includes items that could affect residents' daily lives. Staff recommended a 0.1% Criminal Justice Sales Tax, which would add ten cents to a $100 taxable purchase and generate about $2 million per year ¹. A 0.01% Human Services Sales Tax would add one cent per $100 purchase ¹. The budget also proposes a $2 million police body-worn camera program with 80 cameras and two staff positions ¹, a $1 million downtown parking management program ¹, and utility rate increases of 6.25% for water, 8% for sewer, and 5.75% for stormwater in both 2027 and 2028 ¹.

What changed / what's next

• Staff proposed a 0.1% Criminal Justice Sales Tax (ten cents per $100) to help close a General Fund structural gap ¹.
• Staff proposed a 0.01% Human Services Sales Tax (one cent per $100) to fund services for children and families ¹.
• Staff proposed a $2 million Police Body-Worn Camera Program for the 2027–28 biennium ¹.
• Staff proposed a $1 million Downtown Parking Management Program ¹.
• Staff recommended utility rate increases for water, sewer, and stormwater for 2027 and 2028 ¹.
• The council was expected to schedule further budget discussions for October and November, with adoption planned for November 17 and December 1 ¹.
• The property tax ordinances must be submitted to county assessors by November 30, 2026 ¹.
• The final 2027 fee schedule is to be presented in November for council consideration ¹.