Public Can Weigh in on City Budget and Property Tax Levy Tonight

The second of two public hearings regarding the setting of the 2012 property tax levy, and the first of two public hearings regarding the 2012 preliminary city budget take place during tonight's meeting of the Enumclaw City Council.

Councilman Mike Ennis has insisted strongly that the city keep its word on a property tax rollback of 89 cents per $1,000 assessed value for 2012, following last year's fire annexation; however the changing economic climate makes this rollback of about $912,000 in tax revenue for the city a difficult loss to absorb -- particularly for a short-staffed police department, according to city administration. ( from the last budget workshop.)

Mayor Liz Reynolds released her preliminary budget for 2012 last month and you can peruse it online here. This budget does reflect the entire 89 cents per $1,000 rollback, but as it is preliminary, Council still has influence to make adjustments as needed -- or requested -- for next year.

Do you have an opinion you want to share with Council? Come on down to City Hall tonight -- the meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.