Everett
The Everett City Council and the Community Transit board of directors have each scheduled dates for public hearings to discuss a potential merger of their respective transit agencies.
The city council's hearing is set for 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 28, while the transit agency's board will convene at 3 p.m. on Oct. 29. Votes on the consolidation are anticipated at meetings scheduled for the following week, on Nov. 4 and Nov. 5.
Details regarding a possible consolidation were released in September. The proposal would dissolve Everett Transit, with Community Transit assuming operations within a county-wide system.
Officials from both the city and the transit agency assert that consolidation would enhance service for regional users. This includes increased frequency and new routes connecting Everett to surrounding cities. An interlocal agreement drafted by the parties indicates that service levels within the city would rise by 50% by 2031. The agreement also stipulates that Community Transit cannot reduce service in Everett below current levels.
Opponents of the measure cite concerns regarding a tax increase associated with the merger. Everett residents currently pay a 0.6% city sales tax for transit, but would transition to Community Transit's rate of 1.2%. Additionally, critics are concerned about the loss of local control over the bus system. Everett is the only city in the Puget Sound region, and one of very few in the state, to operate its own transit agency. Most transit systems in Washington operate at the county level.
Under the proposed arrangement, Community Transit would pay Everett approximately $54.5 million for transit-related property and assets, such as buses, electric vehicle charging equipment, and Everett Station, as well as for transition costs. Everett would also transfer approximately $16 million from its transit capital reserves to Community Transit.
The proposal states that all Everett Transit staff would retain employment, either by transferring to Community Transit or by securing another position within the city. The document reads: "The transferred employees must not be put in a worse position with respect to working conditions, pension, seniority, wages, sick leave, vacation, or other benefits."