Mountlake Terrace voters will be asked to approve a bond issue for $25 million for the construction of a new city hall in August. If approved, the average residence will incur a property tax increase of over $138 per year for 30 years.
Kenmore recently erected a new city hall for less than $9 million. That building is a magnificent structure servicing a larger population than Mountlake Terrace. There is indoor and outdoor meeting space available for resident use, as well as a highly desirable water feature.
The 2010 census reveals that the Kenmore population has a higher median income, lower percentage of poor people, and the average Kenmore owner-occupied housing is assessed at a significantly higher value than housing in Mountlake Terrace. Yet Kenmore’s city hall was constructed for significantly less money than the proposed Mountlake Terrace complex.
In these days of declining real estate prices, increased foreclosures, and employment insecurity, it is incumbent upon the voters of Mountlake Terrace to reject this bond issue. Homeowners can ill afford a significant increase to their real estate taxes. Real estate taxes have not decreased in proportion to the decreased value of their residences. With higher taxes, rents also tend to escalate.
Before casting your vote, I urge all interested individuals to tour the Kenmore City Hall, view their beautiful facility and observe what $9 million procures. Kenmore provides a role model for the size and scope of government that Mountlake Terrace should emulate.
Eric Soll
Edmonds
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