STANWOOD — People are encouraged to attend the Stanwood City Council on Thursday to express their views and learn more about the city’s proposed increases in property taxes, sewer rates and water rates.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the board room of the school district administration building, 26920 Pioneer Highway.
The city’s proposed 2014 budget includes what has become an annual 1 percent increase in property taxes, an increase of about $8 for the year for the average Stanwood household. The council plans to take its final vote on the budget Dec. 12.
Mayor Dianne White said city officials believe the economy is beginning to stabilize. The city issued more than 60 single-family residential building permits in 2013, double the projection made last year.
“The city is ending 2013 with higher-than-anticipated permit revenues, allowing us to hire a second part-time planner to ensure we are meeting demand and maintaining good customer service,” White said. “We want people to know the city is open and ready for business.”
The budget also includes a 5 percent increase in water rates through 2019 and a 3.5 percent increase in sewer rates. The average household pays about $68.60 a month for water and sewer. Stanwood utility rate payers have the lowest water and sewer utility rates in the region, said city Finance Director Greg Thramer. If approved, the combined service rates will rise $2.77 to $71.37 a month for the average homeowner.
“Increasing utility fees is not usually a popular position,” White said. “However, the city cut expenses and staffing during the economic downturn to the point where taxpayer-owned assets are beginning to suffer. My recommendation is for small annual increases that support the investment to maintain the existing system and serve future development.”
The city’s 2014 budget includes proposals to promote economic development efforts, including a visitor information center, support to the Port Susan Farmers Market, funding for a National Night Out Against Crime in August and improvements to ball fields at two city parks.
The proposed budget includes $765,000 to continue street improvement projects and finish the design for a permanent berm on Highway 532 to protect the city from flooding.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
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