The following is a release from Snohomish County:

Snohomish County Councilmembers passed legislation on Sept. 23 that reserves all revenues collected for the purpose of constructing a courthouse while the Executive’s Office develops new lower cost options for Council’s review and consideration. The action will prevent revenues collected for the courthouse replacement from being spent for any other purpose or project until such time as the Council has approved a path forward for the courthouse.

“We know that the current courthouse facilities have significant inadequacies, but we also know that we cannot afford the $162 million project” said Council Vice-Chair Terry Ryan. “This action allows time for the Executive and Council to work together with the courts and other user groups to try and identify a project that will meet basic needs and one that the county can afford.”

“It’s important to get this project on track” said Councilmember Ken Klein. “We have a duty to protect the revenues that have been collected while we carefully weigh the options and work together to determine how best to proceed within our available means.”

Councilmembers expressed the importance of providing clear direction in order to avoid another contentious budget process in 2015. Last November, Executive Lovick proposed redirecting the $4 million collected for the courthouse project to other purposes. The council rejected that proposal and placed the money in a reserve account for the building, which led to an executive veto of the Council’s adopted budget.

At the time, Lovick demanded more spending, specifically asking the council to “reduce the amount of money directed to reserves.” The veto brought the County to the brink of the first local government shutdown in state history. Councilmembers unanimously passed a revised budget by emergency ordinance that maintained the reserves and did not require the executive’s approval.

“These actions taken by the Council today will help to make sure that both the legislative and executive branches of county government are on the same page both for the courthouse project, and as we begin our annual budget process” said Council Chair Dave Somers. “The county faces serious financial challenges, though I am optimistic that we will successfully address them through collaboration and a shared commitment to live within our means today while building financial security for the future.”

The freezing of the funds is one aspect of legislation proposed by Council Chair Dave Somers and discussed at a Council meeting on earlier this week. Somers proposal also asks that greater detail be provided for the costs of a remodel of the existing courthouse and a three story addition. Council action on that legislation is scheduled for Sept. 29.