Mayor Joe Marine has vetoed Ordinance No. 1518, a measure adopted by the Mukilteo City Council on June 16, 2025, that would have raised the city’s sales tax to the highest rate in Washington State.
In a letter to the City Council, Mayor Marine cited three primary concerns driving his decision:
- The impact on local businesses and residents. “This additional tax would place an unnecessary burden on our community, especially during a time when many are still feeling economic pressure,” said Mayor Marine.
- Potential effects on the EMS Levy Lid Lift. The City Council recently approved placing a renewal of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy Lid Lift on the November ballot. Mayor Marine expressed concern that the timing of this sales tax increase could make it more difficult for residents to support the EMS measure.
- Statewide tax competitiveness. The ordinance would have made Mukilteo the highest sales taxed city in the state—a distinction the Mayor believes could harm the city’s long-term economic vitality.
Ordinance No. 1518 has been formally returned to the Council and is scheduled for reconsideration at the City Council’s regular meeting on July 7, 2025. It will need a majority plus one of the City Council to pass.
“As Mayor, I take seriously the responsibility to balance our financial needs with the realities our residents and businesses face,” said Marine. “I believe this veto is the right decision for Mukilteo at this time.”