Item Coversheet

BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT

Item No. 9.
For Meeting of: January 21, 2020

ITEM TITLE:Resolution expressing the City Council's support for the Levy Lid Lift Ballot Proposition No. 1.
SUBMITTED BY:

Alex Meyerhoff, Interim City Manager

Jeff Cutter, City Attorney

Steve Groom, Director of Finance and Budget

SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
On December 3, 2019, the Yakima City Council placed a ballot measure on the February 11, 2020 special election ballot regarding a proposed property tax “levy lid lift.”  By state law, annual income from property taxes collected by cities can only increase by 1% annually, unless voters approve a greater increase, thereby “lifting the 1% lid” otherwise imposed by statute.  The special election ballot measure, which will be listed as City of Yakima Proposition No.1, asks voters to approve an increase in property tax income in an amount greater than 1% for the year 2021. The additional revenues generated by the levy lid lift would be available to address general fund supported City services, with particular consideration for law enforcement, public safety and public infrastructure needs that have been identified by the Council. State law permits City elected officials (Council members) to advocate for or against a ballot measure as individuals or on behalf of the Council collectively.  With respect to the latter opportunity, the attached resolution represents the City Council’s collective expression of support for the levy lid lift that will appear on the February 11 special election ballot as City of Yakima Proposition No.1.
ITEM BUDGETED:NA
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:Public Trust and Accountability
APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL BY THE CITY MANAGER
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionUpload DateType
reso1/15/2020Cover Memo