Everson considers property tax increase

ZOE FRALEY - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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EVERSON - City Council members will vote on a 1 percent property tax increase during their meeting Tuesday, Nov. 10.

The 1 percent increase, if approved, would mean an additional $3.50 per year in property taxes for the average homeowner.

It would allow the city to increase its 2010 revenue by nearly $3,000.

The city collected about $299,000 in property taxes in 2009.

The city has more than $9,000 in banked capacity that it could take, but officials decided against asking for more than the 1 percent. Banked capacity adds up when the city takes less than its maximum1 percent increase in property taxes each year.

"We could bring it up a little more, but with the economy the way it is we're not wanting to put a hardship on anyone," said City Administrator Debbie Davidsen. "But revenue is definitely down, and we're so limited with our tax base here that we don't feel like it's unreasonable."

The council will hold a public hearing before voting on the increase during its meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at Everson Senior Center, connected to City Hall, 111 W. Main St.