Residents press council over old Everett High School funding; item sent to special meeting

Public commenters at the Everett City Council meeting urged caution about proposed spending on the old Everett High School, while councilors ordered a separate, focused review.

Multiple speakers described the building as deteriorated, citing water intrusion, electrical failures, asbestos, mold and unsafe stairways. Some residents urged the council to prioritize refurbishing Pope John instead of the old high school. Speakers also questioned the administration's insurance and valuation practices for municipal properties; one commenter said the high school carries a $50 million insurance policy that may exceed actual valuation and called for a closer review of insurance costs and annual operating expenses.

Councilors did not vote to borrow that evening on the $1,140,000 appropriation request. Instead, after extended public comment and committee input, the council referred both the borrowing order and a companion request for a full cost accounting of the old high school's utilities, maintenance, insurance and prior appropriations to a special meeting scheduled for March 7 so the administration can supply more complete documentation and the public can be heard further.

Next steps: The administration and CFO are expected to present a full cost breakdown and documentation at the March 7 special meeting; until then, no borrowing or appropriation decision has been made.