Expressing their appreciation for area voters’ support of recent tax initiatives, the North Bend City Council decided against a property tax increase Nov. 18. The unanimous vote approved a $1.47 million property tax levy, which includes about $62,000 in new construction and $42,000 of levies for past-year refunds.

Councilwoman Jeanne Pettersen made the motion for a 0 percent increase, although the city can legally take a 1 percent annual raise. Pettersen noted that voters showed strong support earlier this month for the city’s Prop.1, for a 0.1 percent sales tax increase for public safety uses, and for Si View’s maintenance and operations levy.

The 2015 rate will be $1.44 per $1,000 of assessed value. Because of increased property values, the rate is still lower than last year’s rate ($1.60)  for roughly the same amount of revenue.