Whether you are moving to our city, or just visiting and want information, we want you to feel welcome.
Established in the late 1880's and officially incorporated in 1905, our community has a rich and colorful heritage. Logging, mining and agriculture provided the economic and cultural foundation in those early years. Today, Sultan is a quiet but growing community with a population fast approaching 5000.
Our city is on the brink of a great transformation. Already several hundred new residential homes, commercial and retail projects currently in the development process. We recognize that growth is inevitable, and we are actively taking the steps necessary to protect the wonderful way of life that our residents have treasured for over one hundred years.
Press Releases:
February 3, 2010
Are You Ready to Protect Your Family Friends and Property
You’re sitting in your house and all of a sudden everything starts shaking. Do you know what to do? Studies and history show that it takes at least 72 hours for help to reach citizens after a significant event. In the Skykomish Valley those events can range from floods, earthquakes, dam failure, wildfires and much more.
The City of Sultan is working in partnership with Snohomish County Fire District 5 and Snohomish County Sheriffs offering “Community Emergency Response Team” (CERT) Training. CERT Training is a way for you to protect your family, friends and neighbors for the first 72 hours following a disaster.
The classes are free and will be held every Friday, beginning on February 12th. The same sessions will be held in the afternoon and evenings from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. “The course is very comprehensive, covering Disaster Preparedness, Fire Suppression, Medical, Search and Rescue, Psychology and Team Organization and even Disaster Simulation”, commented Sultan Police Chief, Jeff Brand.
For more information about this Press Release contact Donna Murphy at 360.793.2231 or 425.346.7077 or Email donna.murphy@ci.sultan.wa.us
February 3, 2010
Sultan Garbage Schedule Has Not Changed
Sultan garbage and recycling customers recently received a letter and follow-up post card from Allied Waste announcing changes to recycling pick-up in Sultan. The city of Sultan provides garbage pick-up services to Sultan residents. The garbage pick-up schedule has not changed.
The letter and post card provided by Allied Waste was confusing because it referenced changes to garbage, recycling and yard waste pick-up. Allied Waste contracts with the City of Sultan to pick-up recycling and yard-waste only for city residents and businesses.
Sultan residents should place their garbage cans at the curb on Thursday, Friday or Monday. A complete garbage pick-up schedule is available on the city’s website here
In general, downtown Sultan south of High Street and west of Eighth Street is pick-up on Monday. East of Eighth Street and North of Fir Street and the areas east of Sultan Basin Road are picked-up on Thursday. Eagle Ridge and areas west of the Sultan Basin Road and the Dyer and Skywall neighborhoods are served on Friday. Garbage and recycling are mandatory services in Sultan.
Sultan residents can contact City Hall at 360-793-2231 for more information and an annual garbage pick-up schedule. Questions regarding recycling and yard-waste should be directed to Allied Waste customer service at (425) 778-0188 or 1-800-942-5965.
February 3, 2010
Sultan Earns High Ratings for Building Code Effectiveness
The City of Sultan has received a Grade 3 classification from the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau on the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) for residential, commercial and industrial properties within the city limits. This maintains the city's BCEGS Grade 3 awarded in 2005.
Many insurance companies will use these BCEGS grades, among other determinants, in their formulas to calculate insurance rates. Depending on the rating of the community and the type of coverage being calculated, discounts can range from 5% to 18%.
According to Sultan Community Development Director, Bob Martin, "Compared to many other municipalities in the state, Sultan's classification is very good." Martin said many factors go into calculating the grade, including looking at a city's existing building codes, number of plan reviews, number of certified building inspectors, ongoing departmental training, among other things. Sultan currently contracts with Snohomish County for building plan review and inspection.
"It's a fact – homes and businesses with superior construction experience far less damage. I am proud Sultan has maintained its high rating. We need to recognize Sultan employees and Snohomish County staff for their dedication in maintaining the city's high rating," added Martin.
Cities and counties in Washington are assigned a grade from 1 to 10 by the Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau using its Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS). Grade 1 represents exemplary commitment to building-code enforcement; Grade 10 indicates no recognizable enforcement. For more information, please contact Bob Martin at 360-793-2231.
February 2, 2010
Sultan Urges Residents to Seek Tax Assistance
Thousands entitled to Earned Income Tax Credit payment could miss out
Free tax help for low to moderate-income taxpayers available by dialing 211
Olympia, WA – The state is urging you to apply for your share of millions in Earned Income Tax Credit money available to eligible families and individuals from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Today is National "Earned Income Tax Credit Day," designated to help raise awareness of this federal program that goes unused by about 20 to 25 percent of qualified workers who are entitled to receive a check for up to $5,657. Based on these estimates, as much as $140 to $174 million could go unclaimed by Washington residents eligible for the credit.
"You work hard and you earn every dollar," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "Taking advantage of the tax credit is the right thing to do for yourself and your family."
Thousands of working families and individuals in Washington each year fails to apply for the credit, missing out on their share of the money. Seniors, individuals with low incomes, and non-English speaking tax payers account for much of the unclaimed credits because they do not realize that they are eligible for it. Last year, 380,000 people applied for the credit, bringing about $696 million into the state's economy.
The Washington State Department of Commerce has teamed up with the IRS, AARP Tax Aide, Community Action agencies, United Way agencies, banks and credit unions across the state to remind eligible taxpayers that they must file a 2009 federal income tax return to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit – even if they owe no tax. Communities throughout Washington are taking part in the national Earned Income Tax Credit Day on Friday to promote the tax credit.
Groups promoting the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) have a simple message: It's your money. Come get it. Any individual or couple who worked in 2009 should file for the EITC. The amount of the tax credit depends on family size and gross income. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) also provides a temporary increase in EITC for taxpayers with three or more qualifying children. Following are eligibility requirements:
With three or more qualifying children, income less than $43,279 or $48,279 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $5,657
With two qualifying children, income less than $40,295 or $45,295 if married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $5,028
With one qualifying child, income less than $35,463 or $40,463 married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $3,043.
With no children, income less than $13,440 or $18,440 married filing jointly. Maximum refund: $457.
Free tax preparation services are available to low and moderate-income families now through April 15. A directory of site locations throughout the state is available by dialing 2-1-1, Washington's Information Network. Ask for "free tax preparation" and operators will provide free tax site locations and hours in your area.
Commerce is the lead state agency charged with growing and improving jobs in Washington State. For more information, visit www.commerce.wa.gov.
An archive of all Press Releases can be found here