By Matthew O. Stephens
Reporter 

Airway Heights mulls 1% tax

 

Last updated 10/28/2021 at 9:30am



AIRWAY HEIGHTS – At least one city employee is calling for an ad valorem property tax increase to fund emergency services.

During a recent meeting, the city Finance Department’s Stanley Schubert said the city should consider increasing the property tax by the state allowance of 1% because the city is still emergency services, but doesn’t have an emergency services levy.

Schubert said the council still has a couple meetings regarding the idea and will hold public hearings on Nov. 1 and 15.

Councilman Larry Bowman said if council doesn’t raise the property tax, then finding adequate revenue for certain projects could be problematic if the city falls behind.

“The city has to be able to keep up with cost increases and not fall behind,” Bowman said.

City Administrator Albert Tripp said the actual cost to individuals will be minimal.

Tripp also said the new construction will add more than $89,000 in tax revenue this year.

After discussing the timeline of the tax talks, the council moved to its 2022 legislative agenda.

Council members agreed to keep the current water project at the forefront of the list and also requested $3 million to build a section of roadway that will reduce traffic and congestion along U.S. Highway 2.

With city growth fueling a lot of action, council members suggested moving the development of a childcare center up on the list of priorities.

Councilman Art Bubb said he would like to see a campus approach to city buildings and services, including fire, police and childcare.

Matthew O. Stephens can be reached at reporter2@cheneyfreepress.com

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 

Our Family of Publications Includes:

Cheney Free Press
Ritzville Adams County Journal
Whitman County Gazette
Odessa Record
Franklin Connection
Davenport Times
Spokane Valley News Herald
Colfax Daily Bulletin

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024

Rendered 03/23/2024 11:06