Kent Proposes a Property Tax Levy Lid Lift to Support Parks and Streets Maintenance
Kent City Council members voted to send a proposed Levy Lid Lift to the General Election ballot under Ordinance No. 4042. Voters will be asked to consider this measure on November 6, 2012.
Why is the City proposing a property tax levy lid lift?
The City of Kent has experienced a significant downturn in revenues in the past decade. A number of factors have contributed to this shortfall.
- Reductions in car tab fees substantially reduced state pass-through funds for local infrastructure improvements.
- The limit of a 1% increase per year in property tax is typically below the rate of inflation.
- The recession, which began in 2008 and continues to this day, has resulted in serious reductions in real estate excise tax, utility tax, sales tax and development fee revenues.
Based on the recommendations of two independent citizen committees, the City Council has determined this levy lid lift is necessary in order to maintain and improve Kent's parks, streets and related infrastructure to a level and quality the public expects without additional funding.
Where does your property tax dollar go?
If approved, what will Proposition 1 fund?
If approved, Proposition 1 will raise approximately $29 million over the course of six years, beginning in 2013 and expiring in 2018. The City would allocate 23 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation to parks and 14 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation to streets. Playgrounds, ballfields, trails, and other park amenities will be replaced, refurbished and improved, and 35 different neighborhood street projects will include improved pavement, sidewalks, disabled access and lighting.
How much will Proposition 1 cost a Kent homeowner if it's approved?
Proposition 1 would authorize the City to collect an additional 37 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, bringing the regular property tax rate to $1.96 per $1,000 of assessed value. The estimated annual cost is an additional $111 for a home valued at $300,000.
Last updated October 11, 2012