Two 1% Port Townsend property tax increases clear first hurdles

PORT TOWNSEND — The City Council gave preliminary approval Monday to a 1 percent property tax increase

In a 4-3 vote after the council’s first 2006 tax levy rate hearing, the majority expressed its intention to increase the general tax levy rate.

It also favored a 1 percent increase for the emergency medical services fund.

Council members Geoff Masci, Frank Benskin and Laurie Medlicott voted against the measure, favoring the levy increase for emergency medical services only.

The council resumes discussion of property tax levies during its next public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 6 in the basement of the Waterman and Katz Building, 181 Quincy St.

The council sets the property tax and emergency medical services levy every year at the fixed amount of 1 percent, allowed under state law.

Last year’s general tax levy brought in $1.53 million and the emergency medical service tax levy garnered $346,000, city staffers reported.

Additional increases

If the council approves both levy increases, general revenues would increase by about $15,300, and emergency services by $3,500.