Property taxes going up 1 percent next year? Don’t “bank” on it. Using a loophole in the law, the North Bend City Council enthusiastically supported and executed a 4 percent additional property tax hike for next year’s budget. They did it by reaching back to the 2001 budget and “recovering” unused taxing authority and applying it to the property taxes for this year.
In 2001, the property taxes were only raised 2 percent by the council, however, they were “entitled” to a maximum of 6 percent by law. Using the “bank” provision, they applied the balance of the unused taxing authority (4 percent) to this year’s (2001) property tax increase without violating I-747. While the net amount is only around $35,000 for this year, the ongoing effect of having a higher base number on which to calculate the annual 1 percent increases will be with us forever. Sort of a retroactive tax increase.
Of course, the needs of the community are great at this time and the money will be well spent mounting yet another appeal on the matter of Forster Woods et al versus King County an additional $15,000 on top of the $20,000 already spent. I guess it does pay to have four council members from Forster Woods. If you have a few potholes in your street, your in luck! The council is going to give you the opportunity to vote on a levy for additional road resurfacing to the tune of $100,000-plus this year. You thought those property taxes were going for basic services, didn’t you? If you actually want those services, you are going to have to pay extra. If the levy fails, it’s not a problem, the Council and mayor have ways around that pesky voter approval thing. Don’t forget we need a new fire station here in North Bend. That $7 million levy will also be coming your way soon.
On the plus side, the city hit the permits and fees “jackpot” of $138,000 with the new Evans development going in behind NAPA on North Bend Way. Two hundred twenty-four apartment units bringing in much-needed revenue to the city coffers. Sure, there are those who would question compliance with the comprehensive plan and our rural character and all of the other rhetoric concerning traffic congestion that came up during Tollgate, but the fact is that it’s coming. The quid pro quo approval on the Western Business Park went through to facilitate the Tollgate sale, and now the city needs the money to pay for it. So hold on, it’s going to be an expensive new year!
Ross Loudenback
North Bend
