Executive/Council Action Form (ECAF)
ITEM TITLE:
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Ordinance 26-009, relating to the Snohomish County Transportation Benefit District; Amending Chapter 2.85 SCC
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works
ORIGINATOR: Afroz Hasan
EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDATION: Approved by Tom Teigen 2/25/26
PURPOSE: To amend Chapter 2.85 of the Snohomish County Code (SCC) to update the governance structure of the Snohomish County Transportation Benefit District (TBD) following assumption of powers, establish the authorized funding mechanism, and clarify how TBD revenues may be used in alignment with state law and county transportation plans.
BACKGROUND: • RCW 36.73.010 authorizes counties to establish TBDs for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, improving, providing, and funding transportation improvements within the district.
• RCW 82.80.140 authorizes TBDs to enact a vehicle license fee of up to $20 without a public vote.
• In 2015, the Washington Legislature enacted RCW 36.74.010, which permits counties by ordinance to assume the rights, powers, functions, and obligations of a TBD, thereby consolidating its operations under the county's direct governance. This allows counties to streamline TBD administration, reduce duplicative overhead, and provide greater accountability and efficiency in the use of transportation funds.
• Snohomish County established a TBD in 2011 as a separate governing body to provide funding for transportation projects in unincorporated Snohomish County. The Snohomish County Council was established as the ex officio governing board. A funding mechanism for transportation improvements was not included.
• This ordinance creates a vehicle license fee of $20 annually per vehicle to fund TBD projects as authorized by RCW 82.80.140. This fee would take effect six months after the effective date of the ordinance.
• The ordinance specifies that revenues generated from the vehicle license fee must be used solely for transportation purposes consistent with state law and county transportation plans. Eligible uses include:
o Preservation, operations and maintenance, capacity, and safety improvements of the transportation infrastructure.
o Projects and programs identified in the County's adopted transportation planning documents (e.g., Transportation Improvement Program, Capital Improvement Plan, Comprehensive Plan).
• The ordinance amends 2.85 SCC to reflect the changes necessary to update the governing structure, clarify administrative responsibilities, and align local code with state law, and is consistent with a companion ordinance.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
|
EXPEND: FUND, AGY, ORG, ACTY, OBJ, AU |
CURRENT YR |
2ND YR |
1ST 6 YRS |
|
Road Fund 102 |
$0 |
$3,000,000 |
$33,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
$0 |
$3,000,000 |
$33,000,000 |
|
REVENUE: FUND, AGY, ORG, REV, SOURCE |
CURRENT YR |
2ND YR |
1ST 6 YRS |
|
Road Fund 102 - TBD sub-fund |
$0 |
$3,000,000 |
$33,000,000 |
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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TOTAL |
$0 |
$3,000,000 |
$33,000,000 |
DEPARTMENT FISCAL IMPACT NOTES: Click or tap here to enter text.
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OTHER DEPARTMENTAL REVIEW/COMMENTS: Reviewed/approved by Finance - Nathan Kennedy 11/5/25. AATF: George Marsh 10/31/25