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Ballot question

Snohomish County Charter Proposition 2: budget stabilization funds

On the ballot in
Snohomish County
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

Proposed Amendments to the Snohomish County Charter Proposition No. 2 Prioritize Funding of Budget Stabilization Funds The Snohomish County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the county charter concerning the prioritization of the county budget stabilization funds. This proposition would require the county legislature and executive branch to prioritize the funding of the county budget stabilization funds. The purpose of these funds is to help mitigate the impacts of catastrophic economic downturns and revenue shortfalls and provide resources for emergencies and catastrophic events. This proposition would add a new section to Article 6 of the County Charter. Should this proposition be enacted into law:

A “Yes” vote means

The charter would require a primary stabilization fund and a catastrophic stabilization fund; spending from them would need a Council supermajority.

A “No” vote means

The charter would not add requirements for the two stabilization funds or a supermajority to spend from them.

Official plain English statement

If approved by voters, this proposition would add a section to the Snohomish County Charter to require the County to maintain a primary stabilization fund and a secondary catastrophic stabilization fund. Appropriations from these funds will require a supermajority of the County Council. Any appropriation from the secondary catastrophic stabilization fund shall include a replenishment plan. The County shall maintain the primary stabilization fund for fiscal stabilization, revenue volatility, and general budget continuity and shall be administered by the County Finance Department consistent with applicable law and County policies. The County shall maintain the secondary catastrophic stabilization fund for declared emergencies, catastrophic natural disasters, or severe fiscal disruption threatening the continuity of essential services. The secondary catastrophic stabilization fund shall be administered by the County Treasurer consistent with County investment policies and State law. The County Treasurer shall provide an annual public report on the condition of the secondary catastrophic stabilization fund. The County Council shall adopt ordinances providing for contributions to the secondary catastrophic stabilization fund from investment earnings from the primary stabilization fund, one-time or extraordinary revenues, emergency reimbursements, dedicated revenue sources, and other sources as directed by ordinance.

Sources

The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.