UPDATED: Looming taxes continue to burden property owners

In the City Council's committee meeting on 10/23 Melisa Files, Director of Finance reported:

1)  Revenues were up by 5% of target and
2)  Expenditures were 4% below target

So "we are in a nice place to be" says Ms. Files.

Yes we are, many thanks to the "surge in permitting fees" from development and a "one-time construction tax," according to Files. 

Historically, the City has assessed  property owners the State's maximum allowable 1% property tax.  But times have changed and the City is swimming in revenue like never before from the massive development of our Downtown and Overlake urban centers.

Owing to this unprecedented growth the City of Redmond should change their practices and forgo the 1% property tax this year.  Residents are already burdened by looming school district taxes and in April, an EvergreenHealth $300M bond initiative, among other taxes.

It's time the City tightens their belt.

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion

Sources:  City Council Committee of the Whole meeting.
                EvergreenHealth commission meetings
                Landscape