Citing the need to protect the general public and maintain a safe community, the Marysville City Council has adopted new laws prohibiting drug use in public places and disruptive or inappropriate transit behavior. The Council unanimously approved both actions at its Dec. 12 meeting. 

Similar to existing state laws that prohibit the use of alcohol and marijuana in public, the Marysville ordinance prohibits the use of controlled substances in public without a prescription. Violation of the new ordinance is a misdemeanor subject to arrest. 

The second action makes a misdemeanor of disruptive and inappropriate conduct on transit vehicles and at transit stations and facilities, such as park-and-ride lots and bus stops. Adopting this ordinance allows Marysville police officers to enforce the existing state law through the municipal court instead of filing a case through the Snohomish County court system.

“Two areas of concern for our community are keeping our public spaces and transit routes safe for our residents and visitors,” Police Chief Erik Scairpon said. 

“Your police department continues to receive ongoing complaints about open-air drug use in public restrooms and parking lots. The community wants to feel safe and go about their day free from the dangers of those using illegal narcotics. With the changes to the state law over the past few years related to personal possession of narcotics, the Council’s action provides a vital tool to your police officers to get people help and hold them accountable.”

Chief Scairpon continued, “In addition to providing social service options and referrals, our officers can now address quality of life issues surrounding our transit system through our municipal court and take enforcement action if appropriate. These changes give us the tools to help keep the community safe in line with public expectations.”

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