HomeMy WebLinkAbout2955 Property Tax Levy for 2008 - 11 27 07ORDINANCE N0.2955
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND FIXING AND ADOPTING 2008
PROPERTY TAX LEVIES WITH AN INCREASE OF ELEVEN PERCENT (11%) FOR
GENERAL LEVY AND ONE PERCENT (1%) FOR THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES LEVY; AND AMENDING ORDINANCE 2955 PASSED OCTOBER 15, 2007
WHEREAS, the City of Port Townsend has properly given notice of the public hearing
held on October 1, 2007, to consider the City of Port Townsend's General Fund, Fire and
Emergency Medical Services Fund, Debt Service Fund and Firemen Pension Fund budget for the
2008 calendaz yeaz, pursuant to RCW 84.55.120; and
WHEREAS, on October 15, 2007, the Council passed Ordinance 2955 setting a levy
increase of 1 % (the limit set by Initiative 747). On Nov. 8, 2007, the state Supreme Court ruled I-
747 unconstitutional, thereby reinstating the city tax authority as if I-747 never existed; and
WHEREAS, City of Port Townsend City Council has determined that the City of Port
Townsend requires an increase in property tax revenue from the previous yeaz, in addition to the
increase in the value ofstate-assessed property, in order to dischazge the expected expenses and
obligations of the City of Port Townsend and in its best interest, and determines to amend
Ordinance 2955 as set forth in this Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the increased levy amount of $185,325.49 includes a 1 % increase over the
previous year, and $168,540 in banked capacity that existed prior to Initiative 747.
WHEREAS, the Council is aware the state legislature is meeting in special session on
Nov. 29, 2007, and may take action that limits the City's current 6% authority; and
WHEREAS, there is a November 30 deadline (set by state law) for the tax levy ordinance
to be submitted to the assessor; Council determines it appropriate to set the levy in this Ordinance
to meet the November 30 deadline; and
WHEREAS, if Council wants to act on an ordinance setting a levy rate at 6% and utilizing
banked capacity, the Council would need to act by the Nov. 30 deadline.
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Port Townsend does ordain that an
increase in the regular property tax levy and Emergency Medical Services property tax levy, in
addition to any amount resulting from the addition of new construction and improvements to
property and any increase in the value ofstate-assessed property, is hereby authorized for the 2008
levy in amounts as follows:
Section 1. There is hereby levied upon all taxable property in the City of Port Townsend,
for the year of 2008, the sum of $1,863,874.49 as a general tax levy, which is an increase of
$185,325.49 and a percentage increase of 11 % from the previous yeaz.
Section 2. There is hereby levied upon all taxable property in the City of Port Townsend,
for the year of 2008, the sum of $381,660.93 as an emergency medical services tax levy, which is
an increase of $2,488.46 and a percentage increase of I.00% from the previous year.
1 Ordinance 2955
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage, approval, and publication in
the form and manner provided bylaw.
Adopted by the Ciry Council of the City of Port Townsend, Washington, at a special
meeting thereof, held this twenty-seventh day of November 2007.
~~. -
Mark Welch, Mayor
Attest:
.SCI UL's c G~
Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
Approved as to Form:
John Watts
City Attorney
Pursuant to RCW 84.52.070, the undersigned Councilors certify to the County Assessor
the amount of taxes levied upon the property of the City, by Council action taken at a
spe~ial meetin he City Council on November 27, 2007.
i
Mazk Welch, Mayor
2 e,1-c.2.~,_- ,~Z4~--~
ichelle Sandoval, Deputy Mayor
Frank Benskin
Geoff Masci
Laurie edlicott
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George Randels
Catharine Robinson
Ordinance 2955