Resolution 3528 - Laserfiche WebLink

• A voluntary contribution by Boeing in support of a ballot measure may not be legally acceptable as an enforceable mitigation measure. That such a voluntary measure is enforceable, or even is referenced in the Decision Document as a mitigation requirement, may exceed the boundaries of the exercise of substantive authority under SEPA. Conclusions: • The County has approved the Housing Levy to place before the voters in November. • Appellants' assertion that Boeing's contribution will shift the burden of housing to the taxpayers of Snohomish County has no factual basis in the record. • The inclusion of Boeing's voluntary contribution toward the support of a ballot measure may overstep the boundaries of substantive authority under SEPA, and should be deleted. Decision: The Decision Document is hereby revised by striking this mitigation measure. SECTION 44: SUFFICIENCY OF HOUSING MITIGATION Findings: • Appellants assert that the Fiscal Impact Analysis does not provide an adequate basis for the mitigation of impacts, in particular housing, but also other public services. The record contains no credible data, analysis or documentation to support their assertions. • Snohomish County was represented on the Demographic Committee which assisted in the development of the methodology (FIA) and reviewed and commented on the drafts. The County did not offer any indication that the methods employed were in any way deficient. • The assertion that the FIA is an inappropriate basis for mitigation (see Appellant/County's Brief pp 31-33), rejects the very basis upon which the responsibility for government services is assigned, provided and financed. In Washington State, all local governments are political subdivisions of the state deriving their powers from the sovereign state. The State's constitution and statutes authorize local governments to act by mandating or enabling them to levy taxes and provide services. Beyond the basic mandatory requirements, each general purpose local government has considerable discretion within state law to provide services as it sees fit. Even more discretion is provided in the exercise of budget authority - the expenditure of dollars for certain levels of services. 63