Snohomish City Council votes 4-3 to be more fiscally responsible during these hard economic times. Waiting on this $1.2 million project to design and develop Harryman's Farm Park was the final decision. Harryman's Farm Park is an undeveloped lot north of Blackmans Lake about 7.4 acres which only about 0.4 acres is usable.

7+ acres is expected to be preserved as wetlands and nature sanctuary. "The property is already in its natural state, we don't need to spend public money on developing and disturbing this delicate wetland area" Councilman Thorndike said.

"We are the stewards of the people's money and they expect us to tighten our belts just as they do," said Thorndike who has been working hard with the other council members to balance the city's 2009 budget without layoffs. Current projections show the cities revenues will be down by over a million dollars next year.

The city set aside 95,000 dollars to plan the construction of trails and parking, to date they have spent over 30,000 for a consultant, Watershed, to work on that plan.

"We can't just tax and spend for whatever we want," said Councilman Johnson. "We need to look at the budget and determine what priorities are needed most in support of city residents," he said. Councilman Johnson and Thorndike are known for keeping a tight rein on the cities purse strings during budget talks.

Mayor Hamlin, Councilwoman Schilaty, Councilman Thorndike and Councilman Johnson voted not to continue to spend public money in this area for the time being. Councilwoman Guzak, Councilwoman Clemans and Councilman Randal wanted to continue forward.

Moving into 2009 with a conservative attitude toward spending seems to be the order of the day for the Snohomish city council.