Bennison Pena
Assessor / Director, Assessor's Department in Everett city government.
- 2026-05-27 · City Council — Bennison Pena, Assessor and Director of the Assessor’s Department, presented the department’s budget overview at the Everett City Council Budget Hearing for Administration and Finance on May 27, 2026.
Everett City Council Budget Hearing Admin and Finance (Wednesday May 27, 2026)
Bennison Pena, Assessor and Director of the Assessor’s Department, presented the department’s budget overview at the Everett City Council Budget Hearing for Administration and Finance on May 27, 2026. He opened by thanking the council: “Good evening, Councilors. Thank you for having me here. I would like to say a few words regarding my department.”
Pena described the department as a small operation, saying it includes “two clerks, an assistant, and myself, and Ron as a Chairman also a part-time employee.” He identified himself as the department’s director and acknowledged Mr. Keohan’s role, stating, “I want to acknowledge Mr. Keohan’s expertise and mentorship towards me.” Pena said the Mayor had requested that Keohan remain for another year “to continue the good work he’s been doing in mentorship, and helping me.”
He emphasized the importance of the assessor’s office to city operations, noting that it is “probably not the most loved department in the city since we are the one that tax people,” but adding that it is “a very essential and important role because without it, we can’t levy any taxes. And without it, we can’t provide the services that every city needs, especially Everett, and the residents.”
On the budget, Pena said he anticipated returning money to the city, “especially in professional services.” He explained that this was his first year “in full control of the budget,” and that last year he “wasn’t fully aware of everything.” As a result, he said the department had reduced professional services by roughly $100,000 and that “roughly a $100,000 will be returned from professional services.” He also stated, “It has been resolved. The line item is in the budget,” referring to the compensation issue involving Keohan.
During the hearing, Pena responded to a question from Councilor Martins about compensation and hours. He also noted, in response to discussion of services, that “there’s no programs to help the elderly other than the” incomplete statement captured in the record.
No votes were taken by Pena during his appearance.