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...
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