The Lynnwood City Council spent nearly four hours on Nov. 24 approving major tax and fee hikes aimed at narrowing the City’s $8 million general fund deficit. Councilmembers adopted a 23% property tax levy increase and a 4% utility tax increase — changes expected to bring in about $2.9 million for 2026.

An initial proposal for a 53% property tax levy hike was rejected. Instead, the Council approved a 23.6% increase, raising the annual levy from $7.2 million to $8.9 million and generating just over $1 million next year. The Council also approved 1% increases to water, sewer, surface water and solid waste rates, boosting the current 6% rate to 10% and adding an estimated $1.9 million.

Even after Monday’s votes — and more than $12 million in cuts this year — a $4.8 million deficit remains fo

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