LYNNWOOD — The Lynnwood City Council approved a 24% property tax increase and raised some utility taxes to 10% Monday.

The changes come as the city faces a $25 million budget deficit. In July, Mayor Christine Frizzell announced the deficit , which mostly stems from lower-than-expected revenues from sales tax, development and red-light cameras. After a slew of cuts and policy changes, the general fund has an $8 million operating gap for 2026, finance director Michelle Meyer said Monday.

The city could have raised property taxes by $3.85 million — or a 53% increase — without voter approval. Council member and mayor-elect George Hurst proposed the 24% increase, or $1.7 million, which he called a “compromise.”

“The council will not fix this in November,” Hurst said. “I beg you to let

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