Everett committee approves $100,000 to replenish employee buyback fund

The Everett City Council Committee of Ways and Means voted May 28 to appropriate $100,000 from the general fund balance to the human resources employee buyback and related expenditure account to cover separation benefits. The motion passed unanimously with the three members present.

The appropriation was requested in a written communication from Councilor Stephanie Smith, read into the record by the clerk. Smith said last year the council cut $200,000 from the employee buyback account, reducing it to $800,000. She said that since January 2024 two police officers and two firefighters have retired, accounting for roughly 80% of buyback expenditures since January — "that's over $300,000," she wrote — and that total FY24 expenditures as of May 14 were $765,000. Smith asked the committee to approve the additional $100,000 to cover expected obligations.

An unidentified councilor urged favorable action, noting the retirements were not contemplated when the prior cuts were made. A motion for favorable action was made and seconded and the committee voted in favor; the chair declared, "The ayes have it." The record shows three members were present when the votes were taken: Councilor DePiro, Councilor Garcia and Councilor VanCampen.

The appropriation is recorded as an order to move $100,000 from the general fund budgetary fund balance to the employee buyback and other expenditure account to pay employee benefits due upon separation. No amendments or alternative funding sources were proposed during the meeting, and no opposing votes or abstentions were recorded. Following the vote the committee immediately moved to adjourn.

Meeting minutes will reflect the appropriation order and the communication from Councilor Stephanie Smith; the committee did not set a further hearing or follow-up in this session.