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A Guide to Living in Marysville & Tulalip

In the midst of unprecedented business growth, Tulalip and Marysville are committed to retaining the “quality” in the quality of life for their citizens.  One of the best places to live in Snohomish County, these communities boast quick access to I-5 to all points north or south; to the next door city of Everett, or north to Mount Vernon, Anacortes, and Bellingham.  The real estate market is booming, with property values continuing to grow to the great satisfaction of local residents and investors.

 
Government

Marysville is served by a mayor-council form of government, with executive authority vested in the mayor. A seven-member council acts as the city's legislative and policy making body.  The City Council conducts work sessions (workshops) on the first and third Monday each month, then holds regularly scheduled meetings to take action on work session items the second and fourth Monday of each month (holidays excluded). Meetings start at 7 p.m. The City Council conducts work sessions and regular business meetings upstairs in the Council Chambers in the City Hall/Municipal Court Building located at 1049 State Ave. For more information about City Council meetings, please call City Hall at (360) 363-8000.

The Tulalip Tribes is a sovereign nation with a constitutional government, adopted by the people in 1936 and ratified by Congress. It is composed of a 7 member elected Board of Directors. One member of the Board is elected each year by the General Council to serve as tribal Chairman. The General Council, or voting membership, is made up of all tribal members 18 years or older.

Education

Education is provided primarily through the Marysville School DistrictMarysville School District, which operates nine elementary schools, four middle schools, a junior high school and a senior high school. In addition, the District operates an alternative high school, a technology high school and a learning center.  After recently passing our local school district bond issue, we're looking forward to seeing the upgrades of the existing high school plus a new high school to accommodate all the new residents moving into our area, as well as a new elementary school.  Last year, Marysville Arts and Technology High School (A&T) scored higher on the WASL than any other school in Snohomish County. Marysville-Pilchuck (MP) has the second largest campus in the state and the highest number of students in any high school in Washington.  Another close by high school serving the nearby area is Lakewood High School, gathering students from the north edge of western Snohomish County, and northwest of the Smokey Point/Marysville area. This creates a great intramural sports rivalry that helps to showcase the great team spirit and talent Marysville-Tulalip and Lakewood High schools are known for.

Recognizing that not everyone learns the same way, Marysville supports a variety of alternative learning programs, including:  Cooperative Extension Schools that require parental involvement each week, a Highly Capable Program, support for home-schoolers with a School Home Partnership Program, Tulalip Heritage School for grades 6-12 which incorporates Native American culture into school curriculum, and several Special Education programs including assistance for Speech & Language and English as a second language students.

Tulalip’s Beda?chelh's Starting Early Starting Smart (SESS) program has provided traditional storytelling, gymnastics instruction and other services to preschoolers at the Tulalip Montessori and the Tulalip ECEAP for the past two years.   In lushootseed (the ancient language of Tulalip Tribes), the word beda?chelh means, "our children". It is significant that this concept is depicted in a single word because, traditionally, children were considered to be sacred gifts to the entire community. The Tulalip Tribes beda?chelh program, formerly Indian Child Welfare, works creatively to design integrated services promoting family and cultural preservation, health and resiliency in its children and families. Beda?chelh has received continuation funding from the Casey Family Foundation to take the services to the Suquamish and Skokomish preschools as well as Tulalip.  Educators from all three tribal sites are meeting with the SESS preschool liaison to develop a distinctly coastal Salish preschool curriculum aimed at enhancing cultural awareness and pride, promoting reading readiness and reducing behavioral health problems in preschool children.

Higher education is readily available to residents.  Columbia College, a private liberal arts college based in Columbia, Missouri, opened its Marysville Extended Studies Branch in 1995 in the Smokey Point Navy Support Complex, and offers campus and online classes.  Many other colleges and universities are readily available in nearby Everett, Edmonds, Seattle and Bellingham.

MOVING

To choose your moving company, look for recommendations from friends. Call different companies for information and estimates. Prices vary significantly and so does the care with which your belongings will be handled.

Upon request, the Interstate Commerce Commission, a protection and regulation agency for interstate moving will send you a pamphlet on Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. Write ICC Office of Compliance and Consumer Assistance, Washington DC, 20423 .

HOUSING

There are single-family homes, duplexes and condominiums in the Marysville area. Average price of homes $195,802. The average tax rate is $13.94/$1,000 assessed valuation. There are 7 existing mobile home parks and five senior housing projects. There are 4 motel/hotels.

For many people relocating to the greater Marysville area, renting is the way to go until that perfect house is found or while waiting for a home to be completed. For others, because the move might only be temporary, an apartment is a practical alternative. Marysville has hundreds of apartment units in all areas, designs and price ranges. Prices vary widely, but generally, the more amenities offered, the higher the rent, the average is $641.00 a month.

Beachwood Housing Hope is dedicated to creating and providing safe, decent and affordable housing for low-income and homeless residents of Snohomish County. In Marysville, a new 25 unit housing complex was opened in December 1998 on Beach Avenue near 10 th Street. Five of its apartments offer transitional housing for up to 24 months to homeless families from the area. Twenty units provide permanent, affordable housing and a program of comprehensive services built on a positive self-help philosophy to guide residents back to independence. Call Housing Hope at 425-347-6556.

*TAXES

The tax rate on the retail sale of non-food items ranges from 8.2 to 8.6 percent.

CLIMATE

Precipitation: Everett averages 37 inches of rain per year as does Smokey Point.

Average Temperatures: January - high 45/low33 - April - high 58/low40 - July - high 73/low54 - October - high 60/low 43

NEWSPAPERS

Advance subscriptions to local newspapers can provide you with an excellent resource for real estate and job information.

ELECTRICITY AND GAS

Electric service is provided by the Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1. Discounts are available for senior citizens and low-income disabled. Energy assistance is available for low-income families.  Call 877-783-1000.

This region has the best supply of natural gas in the continental U.S. Gas service is provided by Puget Sound Energy, P.O. Box 90868 , Bellevue , WA 98009 - Phone # is 888-321-7779. Once you've determined which form of heat you want, call the company and tell them when and where you want service installed.

MAIL SERVICE

When you know exactly where you are moving, pick up a Change of Address form from your Post Office. If you do not have an address that's permanent, you can have your mail forwarded to a post office box at the Marysville Post Office. The Post Office has mailboxes directly behind its’ building on Columbia Ave. for metered or stamped mail. It is picked up once a day Monday through Saturday. 

Postal services are available at:

CABLE SERVICE

The area is served by any stations with good reception from Seattle, Everett and Bellingham bases. Local TV cable is available with reception on 28 basic and live primary channels (extended is available).

Comcast - 877-824-2288

Tulalip Broadband (on the reservation) - 360-651-3270

The City of Marysville operates a community access station on Channel 21. For information call 360-363-8000

TELEPHONE SERVICE

To establish new telephone service, call the customer Order Center of Verizon at 800-483-4000 for residents or 800-483-5000 for businesses. Be prepared to give your exact address, the type of local and long distance service you want, how you would like your listing to appear in the telephone book, whether you want services such as "call waiting" or "call forwarding", information about any telephone service you had previously and credit information.

DRIVER'S LICENSE

Automobile licenses must be changed to a Washington state license within 30 days after you are gainfully employed or your children are in school. Washington issues driver's licenses for five years from your last birthday. The standard fee for a new driver's license can vary depending on your number of endorsements. If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, only a written test and a vision test are required. It is advisable to convert your valid driver's license before it expires. Once it has expired a driving exam will be required in addition to the written and vision tests. It is recommended that you study the Washington Driver's Guide handbook which is available at the Department of Licensing. The address to obtain your driver’s license 3704 172nd St NE, Arlington, WA 98223.  (360) 653-2188. No appointment is necessary.

AUTOMOBILE PLATES - EPA EMISSION TEST & TITLES

Washington plates should be on your vehicle within 30 days from establishing residency. Plates are issued for 12 months with renewal due on anniversary of issue. Plates can be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles or any designated licensing agent. Marysville residents can go to Marysville Realty & License Agency at 922 ½ State Ave. (360-659-3000).

EPA emission tests are required for vehicles that are 1968 or newer. Call the Department of Ecology vehicle check line at 800-272-3780 or go to www.emissiontestwa.com for the location and maps to test stations. Marysville emission test site is located at 1 st Street & Beach St. (by the Village Inn). The fee is $15.00 cash (no denominations over $50.), check or credit card. No appointment is necessary.

You must first convert your out-of-state title to a Washington title in order to obtain Washington License plates. Titles need to be converted within 30 days of establishing residency. Call the Snohomish County Auditor's Office at 425-388-3371 or 800-562-4367 ext. 3371 to inquire what is needed.

MARYSVILLE LIBRARY

Regional Sno-Isle Library System

www.sno-isle.org

(360) 658-5000
FAX: (360) 659-5050
6120 Grove St., Marysville, WA 98270

M-Th 10am-9pm, F 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm

Library Manager: Maggie Buckholz

21 Libraries plus the Bookmobile, Outreach and Childcare program serving more than 631,000 residents with more than 1.4 million items.

Sno-Isle Libraries provides library service to residents of Snohomish and Island counties in Washington state. Twenty one community libraries and Mobile Services provide a full range of services including reference and children's programming. Materials available include books, audio and video cassettes, compact discs, DVDs and magazines.

All Sno-Isle Libraries offer free wireless access.

What is wireless?
Wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) uses radio frequency signals to exchange information between your computer and the Internet.

Library users can use their wireless laptop computers to get Internet access at any table or chair in the library and are not limited to the normal computer areas of the library.

PET LICENSING

Dogs and cats must get a license every year by January in Snohomish County. County licenses should be purchased within 30 days after acquiring your dog or cat and can be obtained from the North Snohomish County Animal Shelter in Arlington (360-403-0206) or from the County Auditor 's Office, Snohomish County Courthouse, Everett (425-388-3388). Licensing can also be done by mail if accompanied with a description of your dog, proof of it being neutered, proof of rabies vaccination and a check with your name, address and phone number.

City fees are $20 a year for unaltered dogs or cats, $30 a lifetime for an altered dog or cat with neuter verification from your veterinarian. Senior rates (age 62) are $15 a year for unaltered, $15 a lifetime for altered. For city licenses call Marysville City Hall at 360-651-5000.

Quest Dex & MacGregor's Northern Snohomish County 2006 & 2007 Phone Directories are available at the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Information Center.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The City's participatory form of government is responsive to community needs. Regular public meetings of the City Council are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month beginning at 7:00 pm. Work sessions are held on the first and third Mondays of each month beginning at 7:00 pm. When a regular meeting or work session falls on a holiday, it is automatically rescheduled to the following Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

Health Care Services

Whether in Tulalip or Marysville, your health care needs will be well accommodated for

with an ample selection of quality hospitals and care providers in the area.

Safety

Marysville Fire District provides fire protection and emergency medical services to approximately 61,000 citizens in one of the fastest growing regions in Washington.  Their 55-square-mile service area includes the communities of Marysville, Tulalip, Seven Lakes, Lakewood, and Smokey Point, as well as unincorporated portions of Snohomish County.  There are four fire stations for rapid response rates.  The professional personnel who make up the Marysville Fire District are committed to serving the city of Marysville and surrounding areas, and attend city council, neighborhood association, and civic group meetings to stay current on local issues & concerns.

The Marysville Police Department is a Washington State Accredited Agency.  We are very proud of the men and women that make up the Marysville Police Department, and each is highly trained and dedicated to providing the highest caliber of policing possible. Each officer goes through a rigorous initial training academy and then continues to receive the finest training available. All department members are dedicated to working with our citizens to maintain the quality of life our community enjoys.  The Marysville Police Department has a city-run jail, emergency medical services, a nationally recognized Marysville Seniors Against Crime Patrol and a top-notch crime prevention unit that includes a successful canine unit.

Marysville Fire Department

Station 1, 1635 Grove Street, Marysville

(360) 363-8500

Marysville Police Department

1635 Grove St, Marysville 98270

(360) 363-8300

Tulalip residents are served by their own Tribal police department as well as Marysville’s through a Cooperative Law Enforcement Agreement between The Tulalip Tribes of Washington and Snohomish County (we call it the "Interlocal"). The Interlocal recognizes that jurisdiction over criminal matters can be difficult to sort out on tribal lands. It clarifies when, where and how tribal officers and Snohomish County sheriff's deputies may act.  The Interlocal also allows sheriff's deputies to be commissioned by the Tulalip police chief so that they may enforce tribal law on the reservation.  Every member of the Snohomish County sheriff's department has been granted the same powers and authority as each and every member of the Tulalip Police Department on tribal land.  The Interlocal also authorizes the sheriff to cross-commission Tulalip police officers. To date, only one officer has been cross-commissioned, and that is Tulalip Police Chief Jay Goss - a highly accomplished and highly respected law enforcement professional.  The Tulalip Police recently added a canine unit to their dedicated roster of officers, and have already found their new addition to be an asset.

Tulalip Police Department

7720 Waterworks Rd., Tulalip, WA 98271

(360) 651-4608

Tulalip Fire Department

7812 Waterworks Rd., Tulalip, WA 98271

(360) 659-2416

Worship

These communities offer houses of worship in almost every denomination, and are sure to welcome newcomers.  The traditional Northwest Coast Guardian Spirit religion is still practiced by many Puget Sound Indians including the Tulalip Tribes. With weekly gatherings at the Longhouse their belief is expressed in song and dance in both private and public ceremonies.

Getting Around

Air: Snohomish County Airport at Paine Field in Everett is a major general-aviation facility with capacity for a wide range of aircraft.  Sea-Tac International Airport is located in Seattle. Smaller regional airports include Arlington Municipal Airport, Camano Island Airfield and Harvey Airfield in Snohomish.

Bus: Community Transit provides comprehensive service to all of Snohomish County, downtown Seattle, the University of Washington area and the Bellevue Transit Center. Greyhound serves the area with regional and inter-state bus transportation. Northwestern Trailways serves locations in Washington and Oregon. The Airporter Shuttle offers transportation from the Best Western/Tulalip Inn to Sea Tac Airport and back.

Ferries: The Washington State Ferry System provides regular service from Mukilteo to Clinton on Whidbey Island and from Edmonds to Kingston, gateway to the Olympic Peninsula.

Major Roads: Interstate 5 runs north and south through Snohomish County. State Route 9 traverses north/south through scenic Americana. State Route 530 runs west and east through Arlington, linking to the Mountain Loop Highway at Darrington, a popular scenic drive in Snohomish County.

Marinas: Two port districts and several private marinas serve Snohomish County. The Port of Everett offers 2,050 slips featuring covered and open moorage, plus guest moorage on three floating docks. Services include a fuel dock, pump-out facilities, a boom truck, a jib hoist and two Travelifts. The Port of Edmonds to the south offers a capacity for water moorage of 700 vessels, dry storage for 300 vessels and guest moorage for 50 vessels. Several private marinas offer moorage and services up and down the coast of the county.

Rail: Amtrak offers service to Everett on routes from Seattle, Vancouver, British Columbia and points east (Spokane, Chicago). The station is located on Smith Street in Everett. Burlington Northern Railroad also serves the Northwest with freight train services.

Community Resources & Organizations

Marysville Public Library, the largest library in the two-county Sno-Isle Regional Library System, promises that generations young and old will have access to materials that will keep them well-read and well-informed.

Marysville is home to The Naval Station Everett Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) located at the Navy Support Complex in Marysville, Washington. It provides a one-stop location where service members and their families can obtain reliable information and assistance on a wide range of important topics. The hours are 7am-5pm, Monday - Friday. For information or appointments call 1(888)463-6697, ext. #5, ext. #2.

Other community organizations are listed on the Chamber / VIC’s website at www.marysvilletulalipchamber.com and can also be found by dialing “211” the nationwide resource hotline.

Both communities have a strong sense of responsibility towards the lands they are entrusted stewards of.  Towards this end, Tulalip and Marysville, along with a host of other partners, are working together to preserve and restore the Qwuloolt Estuary.

The Qwuloolt Estuary Restoration Project is a partnership of tribal, city, state and federal agencies aimed at restoring a critical tidal wetland in the Snohomish River estuary. The Qwuloolt Estuary is located within the Snohomish River floodplain approximately three miles upstream from its outlet to Puget Sound. Through the cooperation of its many partners including the Tulalip Tribes and the City of Marysville, this project plans to return the historic and natural influences of the river and tides to the Qwuloolt and restore a functional estuary wetland complex that benefits salmon, waterfowl, shorebirds, eagles, river otter, harbor seals, and all of us.  Qwuloolt Estuary lies within the Snohomish River estuary floodplain, adjacent to Ebey slough and three miles upstream from its outlet into Puget Sound. The project area is located in Marysville, Washington on lands held in trust for restoration.

Community Living Pictures:

Marysville Library – Community

Marysville – View from 2nd Street – Community

Tulalip Health Clinic – Community

Arial of Tulalip Bay – Community

Tulalip Canoe Family Dancers - Community

Comeford Park, Marysville – Community

Mt. Baker over Marysville – Community

Tulalip Drummers – Community