Sedro-Woolley, Washington Development News
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Sedro-Woolley City Council Meeting for July 8, 2026
Published: Jul 8, 2026
Council Approves Hazard Mitigation Plan, Discusses Ball Field Funding and Flood Recovery
The council discussed the Scadget County Hazard Mitigation Plan and the potential inclusion of ball fields at the Northern State Recreation Area (NSR). Councilwoman Peterson advocated for including the ball fields in the plan to seek grant funding, citing the need to move the existing fields due to recurring flood damage at Riverfront Park. Bill, from the Department of Emergency Management, explained that while direct reimbursement for prior work is generally not possible, adopting the plan with specific language for recreational facilities could create opportunities for future funding. He proposed language that would cover relocating or retrofitting city facilities at risk from all hazard events, including flooding and wildfire. Councilman D. Young moved to approve the Hazard Mitigation Plan as written, opposing amendments to add specific project language, arguing it could delay adoption. The motion passed 4-2, with amendments to include broader language for hazard mitigation for public facilities, including recreational assets. The city's finances for the ball fields were discussed, with funds available from property sales ($260,000 remaining), REIT funding, parks impact fees, general fund reserves, and potential private investment. The subsequent discussion on the grant agreement for Washington State Military Department Flood Recovery addressed reimbursement for flood damage at the Riverfront Park ball fields, totaling approximately $90,000. Improvements to fencing and infrastructure were made to increase resiliency, contributing to reduced damage in a recent flood event compared to a previous one.
Council Reports Highlight Community Events, Tragic Accident, and Conference Insights
During the council member reports, several members acknowledged the successful Logger Rodeo and July 4th celebrations, thanking volunteers, city staff, police, fire, and public works departments for their efforts and professionalism. Councilman Cox and Councilwoman Peterson also highlighted the use of ropes along the parade route as a beneficial measure for businesses and safety. A tragic pedestrian fatality on July 4th was also addressed by multiple council members, expressing condolences to the family and acknowledging the difficult work of first responders. Councilman D. Young reported on his attendance at the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) annual conference, noting takeaways on budgeting, infrastructure, public safety, and communication. He also commended Charlie Kelly's participation in a panel on automated license plate readers (ALPRs) at the conference. Councilwoman Peterson mentioned attending Northstar housing task force meetings and community recovery forums. Mayor Custy and Councilman Henderson expressed disappointment regarding the Veterans Plaza Playfields Project, noting that commissioners discussed a pre-application meeting requiring city-funded studies with no guarantee of agreement, leading the administration to explore alternative approaches.
City Considers Annexation into Library District, Residents May See Property Tax Changes
The City Council discussed and held a first reading for an ordinance and resolution concerning the annexation of the city into the Scadget County Library District. This initiative aims to allow city residents to vote on future library district matters, including potential levy lid lifts. Currently, the city pays the library district for services under an interlocal agreement. The proposed annexation would shift this responsibility, with the city's budgeted levy decreasing by up to $474,000, offsetting the cost to residents. While the city's payment to the district would continue, the district would eventually reimburse the city for the library building's debt payments, resulting in zero net impact for the city. However, residents would face an increase in their property taxes due to potential library district levy lid lifts. Projections estimate an annual increase of $11-$111 per household, depending on home value and whether a levy lid lift is approved. The council was advised to treat this as a first read due to ongoing negotiations on interlocal agreements and ballot language finalization, with a deadline of August 4th to get items on the November ballot. The senior exemption income threshold is increasing significantly for 2027, which may exempt more residents from future levy increases.
City Approves Ambulance Replacement Agreement After Collision, Extends Condolences for Fatal Accident
The council approved a purchase agreement for a replacement ambulance, following the total loss of one unit in a head-on collision with an impaired driver on May 30th. The damaged ambulance was deemed irreparable. To expedite replacement, the city will remount the box from the totaled ambulance onto a chassis already purchased for a 2027 build. This remount project is estimated to cost $170,000, with insurance covering most of the expenses. The city will need to purchase a new chassis for the 2027 build, which may incur an additional cost of $5,000-$10,000 due to potential price increases. The council expressed gratitude for the creative solution that minimizes out-of-pocket expenses and reduces the typical two-year wait for a new ambulance. Multiple council members also acknowledged the tragic fatal vehicle versus pedestrian collision on July 4th, expressing condolences to the family and commending the swift and professional response of first responders.
Cedar Woolly Housing Authority Details Capital Needs and Explores Section 8 Conversion
The Cedar Woolly Housing Authority, managed by King County Housing Authority (KCHA), presented an overview of its operations and challenges. The authority manages 80 units of subsidized housing, serving low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. KCHA highlighted significant capital needs for its properties, including Hills View (60 units) and Cedar Grove (20 units), estimating $2.25 million for Hills View and $550,000 for Cedar Grove envelope repairs. They are exploring the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program as a way to secure more stable funding by converting public housing to Section 8, which would allow for loans to address capital needs. There are approximately 500 applicants on the waiting list, with wait times ranging from three to seven years. Council members expressed support for housing seniors and discussed the financial implications of converting to Section 8, with KCHA explaining that it provides a more stable subsidy source and allows for debt on properties, unlike public housing. The timeline for conversion is estimated at 18-24 months. Public comments included a resident's negative experience with the Section 8 application process, questioning its accessibility for low-income individuals and those with disabilities.
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