Bothell’s general fund has dropped 75% since 2007. Their 2011 revenues were 11% lower than they planned. They reduced revenues that caused their budget deficits over the last three years have forced them to reduce their spending and dip into their reserves. They now face the same tough choices Fire District 1 and many other communities have had to endure, they need revenue, or more cuts.

General Fund (Savings)

2002  $20,251,377
2003  $21,883,234
2004  $22,220,732
2005  $25,003,652
2006  $14,911,218
2007  $15,014,982
2008  $12,955,076
2009  $06,994,173
2010  $04,052,527
2011  $03,756,879  

The General Fund, Bothell's savings has lost 75% since 2007.  It has fallen 12 quarters in a row.

This data source is Bothell's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)2010
http://www.ci.bothell.wa.us/CityServices/Administration/BudgetAndFinance/CAFRs.ashx?p=1490

Question: Why does Bothell want to annex this area?
Answer: No organization is willing to invest more than $ 200,000 and plenty of staff time if there is no benefit to the organization.  If I were a current citizen City of Bothell, I would be very upset.  The City of Bothell’s motivation is completed recorded in the Conclusion Annexation Report, the BERK REPORT:
“Annexation is estimated to result in net-positive revenues ($ 2.46 Million) to the City…..to provide the City with greater flexibility to manage the expected future fiscal challenges.”

Question: Why does Fire District 1 oppose Bothell’s Annexation?
Answer:  District 1 has been providing Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for more than 40 years and Paramedic services for more then 30 years.  It is District 1’s duty to ensure the annexed area will continue receive the same level of service. During the initial negotiation last year, Bothell refused to commit to keep Station 22 open and hired all the District 1 fire fighters and EMS professionals, District 1 decided to opposed the Annexation. The voters agreed and objected the annexation.
    Now, Bothell conveniently now said it will keep Station 22 open in current election.  However, Bothell did not contact District 1 to make arrangement.  District 1 only hear rhetoric in campaigning but no actual action.  In addition, Bothell is in serious budget deficit, Bothell still has not demonstrated how it will get its funding to keep its promise now keep two Fire Station 22 and 73 open.
    
Question: Is it true that District 1 oppose Bothell Annexation because District 1 will lose the tax revenues?
Answer:  District 1 does not support or oppose annexation base on financial factor.  While District 1 will lose the revenues but it also be offset by the cost saving of operating Station 22.  District 1 built Station 22 because the location is important to serve the neighborhood. It wasn’t based on tax revenues.

One of the great (superior) services we have in Snohomish County is Snohomish County Senior Services.  With just a phone call you are able to get help with many of the things around the house that seniors have difficulty doing.  Many of those services are free for the qualified recipients.  They help with all of those small project that need attention.  They have a program for larger projects as well.
Once annexed, seniors are no longer eligible for services from Snohomish County.  Bothell does not have any services like this and will defer you to King County. 
King County does not have the same plan for help as Snohomish County does.  In fact, none of it is free.  They use a home loan program to pay for the services rendered for only large projects.  Payment for services is achieved by taking out a 2nd mortgage on your home.  You will have to go through a loan program with a title search on your property just like if you were borrowing from a bank.
I learned about this from an 86 year old woman who called me for help because she was sick and tired of the run-around from Bothell.  When she asked for help, Bothell had two different people call her and say that the problem is all fixed.  When she called them, they referred her to King County.  She feels that she is being strangled by the city of Bothell.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/northwestvoices/2017893073_bothellelt.html

A hot topic right now is the issue of Bothell's City Hall, and where the money for this project and others are coming from. The Yes side says these projects are already fully funded. NOT TRUE! These are projects paid for with bond money. Concerning City Hall specifically: it is a $2M/year lease for 20 years, and NEWBA tax dollars will pay for this. Unfortunately, the city does not have enough money to finsh what they started. They NEED NEWBA's tax money, and the sales tax credit to make this happen. It is true that we will not be responsible for the City's current debt, but these are two totally different issues. I think the Yes folks think they are the same. Vote NO...unless you are interested in paying for a new City Hall!

See the recent State of the City address by the Mayor of Kirkland.
The annexation they did 2 years ago is turning out like Marysville's annexation, a costly looser.
Why is Bothell the only city considering annexation?  Could it be for the money?   Click here

 Bothell had their last meeting/open house at Northlake Church.  We sent a "plant" in there and asked Bothell's Fire Chief, "How are you going to put paramedics at station 22 without a proper license?"
His response was that he was negotiating with Fire District 7 (Talks are now dead) and with Fire District #1.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Fire District 1 Commissioner Chan stated that there has been no contact with Bothell since before the last election in November.  He lied to us.

 Whats new in 2012?
Bothell raised all of its fees for 2012 and here are examples of some from their own 17 page fee chart:

*Animal license $30-$250
*New for 2012, Motor Vehicle Collision and Vehicle Fire Recovery Fee, $435-1300.
*Kennel or cattery, $100
*Cemetary charges and fees the range up to $612
*Medical incident report $15 and if Bothell transports you by aid car, add an additional $550
*Employees cost of between $6.12 to $23 per employee
*Picnic shelters are $36
*Change your hot water tank will be $52.75
*Re-roof your house?  There will be a fee and two inspections

*If you are a developer, you will be very disappointed to see all of the charges for new buildings.  Again, there are 17 pages of them and we have not even touched on the restrictions in Bothell's Municipal Code.
Both the Fee schedule and the Municipal Code can be found on the www.bothellno.com website under the, "More Taxes" tab on the Home page.

Why is this annexation back on the ballot 4 months after the majority voted no?  Follow the $$$.  This Bothell citizen understands the city's motives.  It is all about Bothell getting your tax dollars to build a nicer downtown Bothell, and city hall.  Bothell can't do it without your tax dollars!  Vote No!