Bothell approves decision to build new $53 million city hall

Published 11:15 am Wednesday, June 4, 2014

The Bothell City Council members approved moving forward with building a new city hall in downtown Bothell at a meeting late Tuesday night. This decision marks the second biggest expenditure the city of Bothell has made.

The vote was 5-2. The majority of the council felt the new building was necessary, but many people, including Councilwoman Tris Samberg, took issue with the cost. The total bond issuance is estimated at $53 million, which includes total project costs plus applicable financing and transaction costs.

“The city has never generated more than two consecutive years of REET (Real Estate Excise Tax) revenue greater than $3 million a year,” said Samberg during a previous meeting. “How does the bill get paid in the years when the city does not have enough REET revenue? … Have you asked the voters if they want $75 million of our tax dollars spent on a new crystal palace? A financial decision of this magnitude should be decided on by the voters, not council.”

The Reporter will update this story when more information is available.