HomeMy WebLinkAbout11152000 CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 15, 2000
The City Council of the City of Port Townsend met in special session this fifteenth day of
November, 2000, at 6:30 p.m. in the Port Townsend Council chambers of City Hall,
Mayor Geoff Masci presiding.
ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council members present at roll call were Alan Frank, Vern Garrison, Geoff Masci, Bill
Wolcott, Syd Lipton, A1 Youse, and Joe Finnie.
Staff members present were City Manager David Timmons, Finance Director Michael
Legarsky, and City Clerk Pam Kolacy.
ORDINANCE 2752
FIXING AND ADOPTING 2001 PROPERTY TAX LEVIES
Council Deliberation and Action
Motion: Mr. Frank moved to adopt the option of Ordinance 2752 which provides for a
0% increase from the previous year. Mr. Garrison seconded.
Mr. Frank stated that the city cannot go on forever without raising taxes; however, he is
convinced there are areas of revenue to be tapped and cost efficiencies still to be gained
in the city's operations.
Mr. Lipton asked for clarification of Section 2, the emergency medical services tax levy.
Mr. Legarsky explained that the 1.47% increase is a function of the levy rate which was a
fixed 50 cent levy; when new construction and assessed valuation are considered, it
represents an increase in the percentage. The dollar figure was obtained from the County
Assessor. The ordinance language is based on the statutory requirements for a tax levy
ordinance.
Mr. Finnie spoke in opposition to the motion. He supported the two percent increase to
raise $20,000 to either assure no reduction in library services or insulate the general fund
from other quality of life or service reductions which may be a result of the final adopted
budget.
Mr. Garrison spoke in support of the motion. He stated that he believes more savings can
be forthcoming from actions such as outsourcing staffing services.
City Council Minutes 1 November 15, 2000
Mr. Youse stated that he realizes it takes years to right-size a city but agrees with
Mr. Frank and Mr. Garrison that delaying tax increases may have the effect of enabling
administration to assess all possible efficiencies prior to raising taxes.
Mr. Wolcott supported the motion, noting that the vote is largely symbolic in lieu of
Initiative 722 which limits the ability to raise a significant amount of revenue.
Mr. Masci spoke in opposition to the motion. He stated that significant economies have
been achieved over the last two years, and a vote in favor of a 2% increase would be
symbolic of the fact that council has heard the citizens and feels they deserve the services
they request, whatever they may be. The amount of cost to citizens is negligible
considering what the county will be levying without any increases in services.
Mr. Frank stated his support of volunteerism and user fees. He also believes that the
government does not exist to take care of people all the time.
Vote: The motion carried 5-2, with Mr. Finnie and Mr. Masci opposed
ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
Attest:
Pam Kolacy, CMC
City Clerk
City Council Minutes 2 November 15, 2000