Snohomish County board, executive clash over spending

The Snohomish County Council on Wednesday severely limited County Executive Aaron Reardon's ability to sign contracts without council approval after a dispute over how county money might be spent to celebrate Boeing's 787 rollout in Everett.

A 60-day emergency ordinance, approved unanimously, requires council approval for almost all contracts worth more than $5,000. Previously, the executive's office could sign contracts of up to $50,000 without council permission.

The move cuts across party lines, as Reardon is a Democrat and the council is controlled by Democrats.

Both sides expressed exasperation with the other Wednesday — a clear sign that communication problems between the two offices have existed for some time. The problems culminated Wednesday over a perception that the executive's office might spend large sums of tax money to celebrate the 787 rollout in July.

Since March, the council has requested information on what is being planned and the cost. Officials from the executive's office continually have rebuffed those requests in writing and in person, council members say.

"Unfortunately, what should be a great celebration is tied up in this disagreement," said Council Chairman Dave Gossett. "I'm mystified, and don't understand why this has to be kept a secret."

In turn, Reardon says he's confused by the council's reaction when the truth is that there's nothing happening with Boeing.

"We'll comply with the council ordinance," he said Wednesday. "But we're puzzled by this extreme action, as the council has never raised any issues about any other contracts or contract reports."

What's caused concern on the council this time is talk that the executive's office has pledged up to $300,000 in tax money to help fund a 787 rollout party, Gossett said, acknowledging that it's most likely a rumor that the executive's office hasn't dispelled.

Reardon says that's absolutely false. "There is no county financial participation identified, and none has been requested," he said. "This is a Boeing and Future of Flight-sponsored event, and we've told the council that."

Boeing 787 spokeswoman Yvonne Leach says the company has met off and on with county officials concerning the rollout, but it definitely hasn't asked for money.

"They're not funding anything we're doing," Leach said. "They might be planning some other event around ours, but nothing has been defined yet."

Communication problems between the two offices date back to when Reardon became executive, and the council once before considered limiting Reardon's authority to sign large contracts.

Last fall, during budget discussions, Councilman Kirke Sievers, a Democrat, asked for a moratorium but couldn't gain enough support.

Christopher Schwarzen: 425-783-0577