Everett voters face five charter changes

Everett residents will vote on five proposed changes to the city charter in the upcoming November election. The measures address council operations, residency rules, and how the city publishes legal notices.

These proposals stem from a ten-year charter review process. A committee of appointed community volunteers examined the city’s governing document. They gathered public input and drafted recommendations for the City Council to consider.

Proposition 1 focuses on who can hold office. It clarifies residency requirements for candidates running for district-based Council seats. It also bars the mayor or Council members from serving in another elected government position at the same time.

Proposition 2 adjusts the schedule for Council gatherings. It lowers the annual meeting requirement from 48 to 36. The rule would mandate at least two meetings each month and require the city to publish a calendar. It also updates specific meeting procedures.

Proposition 3 updates the language regarding the Civil Service Commission. The change aligns the commission’s responsibilities with current state law.

Proposition 4 alters the petition process for citizen-driven ballot measures. It sets a uniform 10% signature threshold for both initiatives and referendums. The amendment adds new procedures for submitting and reviewing petitions. It also requires fiscal impact information for all ballot measures. An initiative creates new law, while a referendum asks voters to repeal an existing ordinance.

Proposition 5 allows the city to post certain legally required public notices on its official website. This option applies only where state law permits it. The amendment provides an alternative to newspaper publication but does not eliminate every requirement for print notices. City spokeswoman Simone Tarver stated the city has not estimated the potential financial savings from reduced newspaper ads. The city is currently gathering invoices and payment records to analyze those costs. The Charter Review Committee’s final report and meeting materials are available at www.everettwa.gov/charterreview.