City of Bothell requests citizen input regarding essential public safety services
The Bothell City Council is urging residents to weigh in on the future of their public safety services. Population growth, emerging social challenges such as the opioid epidemic, and an increasingly complicated legal environment are straining the City’s fire, emergency medical, police and municipal court services. The City Council wants to hear from the community as it explores options to address the mismatch between public safety demands and the City’s financial capacity.
“Keeping Bothell community members safe is our top priority,” said Mayor Andy Rheaume. “But resources are being stretched and there’s an open question about whether or not we can continue to provide current levels of service much longer. It’s critical that we hear from our citizens on this important topic.”
During the eight years of the Great Recession, City property taxes were not increased. While this helped Bothell residents weather the downturn, revenues have not kept pace with inflation. The City now faces challenges funding essential services. A potential solution to fund public safety operational and/or capital needs is one or more ballot measures this November.
We want to hear from you
City staff, directed by the City Council, are actively seeking feedback from community members about their experiences, concerns and ideas regarding fire, emergency medical, police and municipal court services. The City invites you to share your thoughts.
- Web: bothellwa.gov/publicsafety
- Fill out an online comment form and sign up for regular updates.
- Email: PublicSafety@bothellwa.gov
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BothellWaUSA
- Twitter @CityofBothell
- City Council Meetings, 6 p.m. at City Hall, 18415 101st Ave NE:
- April 17, the first in a series of City Council work sessions about public safety.
- May 8, the second Council work session.
- June 5, Council may make a decision about a potential ballot measure at this meeting or later in June.
- City Council agendas are available online the Friday before the meeting.
- Public comment is encouraged. Sign up before each meeting begins at the table outside the Council Chambers.
- Council meetings are available live on UStream and posted on YouTube
“No decisions have been made about the best approach for addressing the public safety challenges we are facing,” stressed Rheaume. “We want to be responsive to our community. It’s critical for the City Council and staff to hear from our residents about their concerns, needs and priorities around these essential services.”