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August 9, 2010 in City
Spokane City Council mixed on proposed tab fees
Agenda tonight includes potential revenue-raiser
Facing daunting shortfalls in revenue, the Spokane City Council will discuss tonight instituting a tax on vehicle license tabs.
Councilman Bob Apple said he will bring a proposal forward for a $20 fee, which is the most the city can impose without going to voters for approval.
“My viewpoint is if we are going to have financial problems, we need to do something,” he said.
Mayor Mary Verner announced last week that more than 120 city employees could face layoffs at the end of the year unless city unions agree to concessions or the City Council increases taxes.
Verner told the council that weaker than expected sales tax revenues and other factors could result in 9 percent across-the-board cuts to address the projected $12 million shortfall. That news came only two months after Verner predicted 40 layoffs because of budget woes.
Although Apple said he will propose a $20 tab fee, which would be paid by drivers every time they renew their license plate tabs, the amount of the proposed tab tax has been left open. Apple said some of his colleagues have discussed pegging the fee at $85.
Even if it is set at $20 – which would not require voter approval – Apple said he wants it to go to voters. The meeting tonight would be the last opportunity for city leaders to get something on the November ballot, he said.
“I want voters to be able to have the chance to decide whether or not we raise taxes,” he said.
Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin said she won’t be in favor of Apple’s proposal.
“I think it’s a knee-jerk reaction to find dollars for our budget crisis,” she said.
The city currently does not charge a tab fee. But state law allows cities and counties to enact one for up to $100. Any fees of more than $20 would trigger a public vote.
McLaughlin said city leaders have discussed the need to put something like this proposal forward to get city unions to reopen negotiations.
“I think we could do minimal layoffs if everyone comes to the table and does the right thing,” she said. “Until we face that gorilla in the eye and say we have to get employee wages in line, we are going to be looking down a dark hole.”
If the council approves a $20 fee, it would only generate about $2.1 million. While the tax revenue must be used on roads, McLaughlin said city leaders want to shift other money out of streets to help balance the budget shortfall.
“I don’t know how we can sell it when we are not actually going to fix more streets,” she said. “We need to have a much more complete conversation about this.”
Former Councilman Al French, who’s running for county commissioner, likewise, said he will not support the proposal.
“I think the license tab fee is flawed in a couple different ways. One, it doesn’t raise enough money to solve the problem. And two, it’s disingenuous. It only raises $2 million and they are looking at a $12 million shortfall for doing maintenance the way it should be done,” he said. “This is a failed strategy to solve a problem. But for them, they can impose a $20 fee without the vote of the people.”
The tab tax won’t be the last major debate as city leaders struggle to solve the budget gap, French added.
“It’s one of many taxes that will be coming to a household near you,” he said. “Tell the public what the need is and then have an honest conversation about what the needs is. Don’t nickel-and-dime them to death.”
Closing Geiger: Wise or worrisome? 
Nomore on August 09 at 12:26 a.m.
Bob, We know each other well. and I must say I am more than disappointed in your proposal.
You need to fix the streets in Spo-Ghetto before you try to charge drivers more money to ruin their vehicles.
Spokane is horrible for cars. I can say more accidents happen due to poor lane markings and road conditions than bad driving.
Charge the extra $20 and find that we will fight back and remove hundreds from property taxes due to the city falling below federal standards for roads.
I will be first by contacting the federal level DOT to ask them to inspect our roads with pictures included of crosswalks NOT MARKED, water based paints being used and have no reflective qualities and the poor repairs done.
Crestline was re-done 3 times. never needed it.
Good luck Spokane, welcome to the real world of lawsuits, I drive a new vehicle and not a cheap one, yet the ruts are massive.. The new freeway already has ruts… jump up and say Studs.. nah. its the Union work that was allowed for the least amount of money.
Age old saying, you get what you pay for. Now in Spokane, you get taxed to the hilt and get nothing in return but more taxes!
I also would like to point out to all drivers if they do pass this and it is tied to vehicles the money can ONLY be used for road work!! As per the DOT. Monies collected on vehicle use must be retained and used for the roads. not gonna fill the general fund.
Bob, you even told me in person Spokane has Several bank accounts taxpayers don’t know about and more money than peopel know. So why tax?
Show the people the money the city has, every penny. each and every account needs to be public it is after all our money.
Use the money in a wise manner and stop taxing.
Dazzeetrader11 on August 09 at 12:45 a.m.
Grounds for impeachment for the Mayor. Why does this proposal not surprise? Verner and her spending has generated more debt…more than revenues can cover.
I wonder if she’ll spend another $13 million on new acquisitions? The lie to the people after they wondered how she might fund it.
This proposal is DOA unless these council members will fall on their swords for Verner. Doubt that’ll happen.
NOMORE…there are several accounts…hidden and unknown except by a few. The Auditor might be visiting soon. In the meantime, STOP the spending and sell off what you bought.
I’d say this group ( Rush, Snyder and Waldref) are simply not suitable for re-election…..nor is Verner. Gang of Four no more. All incompetent but voting to spend on insane projects.
Stop this insane spending and recover the funds you put into purchases!
riverlaw on August 09 at 6:16 a.m.
Ok, you guys screwed up or I ended up this AM in an awful alternate universe — Councilman Al French??? Hey Tom — he is not on the City Council anymore.
Spokane_Citizen on August 09 at 6:18 a.m.
Cue up the ‘barking seal’ chorus of freeloading cheapskates unwilling to pay for government services. Mayoral ‘impeachment’…that’s just too precious! And ‘world of lawsuits’ for rutted roads…ha,ha,ha! Why don’t the two of you move to some city of your dreams…..you know the one…with silky smooth roads, no taxes, and citizens with cherubic smiles. Send me a postcard when you get there.
lewis8457 on August 09 at 7:11 a.m.
Spokanecitzen why don’t you fix the roads for us since you are so enlightened. Portland has great streets so it can be done.
The problem in Spokane the streets have been poorly maintained for 30 years that I know of, it is Spokane thing. Years ago when we came to Spokane to visit relatives we knew we were home when we hit the first pothole. We’re here!
If they tax the tabs I will simply stop renewing them. I see expired tags everywhere I go. In fact if the city had a brain they would start ticketing people with expired tags and then THAT money could be wasted in the oh no we are out of money shell game.
If you think the streets are fine ride a bus sometime they don’t have the ability to miss the potholes. Take your back brace with you, you will need it.
I am surprised more STA passengers haven’t sued the city for whiplash. My doctor told me I could get whiplash from hitting a big pothole.
I don’t know if removing the big 4 will help I think every facet of our city is being run by incompetent fools.
If everyone stopped renewing their tags, WDOT would have to get involved.
spokanecougar on August 09 at 7:37 a.m.
Love how Nomore sticks in how he just bought a new - and very expensive new car. Figures, typical rich white conservative republican not wanting to pay any type of tax what so ever so he can keep his money for himself and nobody else because that how freedom works!!! Greed, gotta love it.
opiemuyo on August 09 at 8:04 a.m.
Well, glad the bus is working out for me I guess. When there isn’t enough income at my house, we cut back. You know, beans and rice type thing? Perhaps the City of Spokane should cut back on the steak a bit and start shopping for ground beef.
BTW, could folks make comments about the subject, and not the commenters? It is so uncharitable.
Ninch on August 09 at 8:53 a.m.
Daisy, Daisy, Daisy… always going after the Mayor. Do you not read the articles? This tab fee is not her idea. She is trying to negotiate with the union, which is her job. The responsibility for the budget lies with the council.
BTW: Tab fees are a really bad idea. Those who are struggling financially cannot afford to pay any more. The city should lay off workers if they have to, but do not keep trying to squeeze water from rocks (low-income citizens).
monkeyman on August 09 at 9:22 a.m.
Apart from the salaries of questionable employees, a couple of examples of how your tax money is spent on stupid people: (today’s stories, though not from Spokane area)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/aug/09/search-resume-missing-idaho-boaters/
“One of the men, as a joke, pushed another man into the water. He couldn’t swim and the other three jumped in to save him…”
http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2010/aug/09/rescuers-sued-skier-death/
Coffee on August 09 at 9:25 a.m.
We need to reduce all city workers pay and benefits to what the average Spokane City non government worker makes for like work. If we do not make these changes before to long all our tax moneys will go to salaries, retirement and medical, with very little left for maintenance and infrastructure that benefit us all. We as voters need to start electing people to the city government that neither have their heads in sky nor up their backsides who will make the tough decisions that will benefit us all not just the unions, political movers and shakers or their personal friends.
Jon on August 09 at 9:55 a.m.
Reference Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin comment about the City of Spokane’s employees and the need to get wages in line. I know everyone picked their profession and with that said. I would like to see her going into a burning building at 3 a.m. How about she run up to a house when someone is shooting at you or trying to avoid being stabbed by a man who is lurching inside your car with a knife. Or filling pot holes when the wind is blowing and rain has soaking you to the bone with people speeding past, honking because you delayed them 30 seconds.
Maybe Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin should walk in the various employee’s shoe’s before she talks about taking pay away from them. The whole Council should try being a fireman, police officer, or street dept. employee for a day, it might open up some eyes.
Spokane_Citizen on August 09 at 12:44 p.m.
For what I do (technical professional) the city worker filling a comparable position makes substantially less.
I love the clueless and bombastic windbag barstool suggestions on how the city could reduce its costs…..fortunately those making such suggestions are too lazy to get off their butts to run for office (or more likely would lack the necessary attributes to attract voters)!
misjustice on August 09 at 1:26 p.m.
Not really sure when it became the norm to denigrate our fellow citizens, neighbors, family members, etc… which decide to work in city or county government doing the necessary work to support ‘civil society’, to basically support us in our civic endeavors…but that seems to be the course of civil discourse today.
Targeting such employees for our wrath, at the same time that they are being considered for termination, seems to be piling on. How many of those amongst us could/would do the jobs done by these individuals and how many would put up with such a, seemingly, ungrateful and demanding public? They are damned if they do and doubly damned if they don’t.
I would support the tab increase if the funds were used to save jobs; but since it is tied to road improvements and then money from that fund gets “moved” to where the Council/City/County wants it I’d have to say that this seems more like a switch-er-roo or shell game, and with that fact pattern I can easily voice “no” support. But hey, the Council doesn’t really ‘need’ our support to enact a $20 fee…tonight’s Council meeting will prove interesting.
liarsinnews on August 09 at 2:11 p.m.
As usual, Moronic logic! When will the ship of fools on the city council come to their senses? My gawd, what don`t they understand about no new taxes. Spokane`s reckless spending habits continue. For example, the recent purchase of a building we can`t afford during this recession. Too many employees in non-essential jobs that should be abolished. Mayor Verner is way over her head as our CEO and is still moving deck chairs on the Titanic. Verner lacks the management skills needed for a corporation the size of the Lilac City, notwithstanding, the corruption re the SPD she heads up and doing nothing about the crimes the men in blue commit. Poor OTTO, and Ms. Jo Savage.
Spokane_Citizen on August 09 at 5:24 p.m.
Yes Lewis, keep driving and stop renewing those license tabs, out of protest…that’ll show’em! Hee, hee, hee. And the nerve of those race-track buying rascals at the county! Stop paying those property taxes! And while you’re at it, stop paying those pesky federal income taxes as well. Show’em who’s the boss!
In fact, when you are cited and eventually arrested you need to point out to the officer AND the judge that you pay their salaries too! You, and Dick Adams, are mad as hell…..simply fed up with their profligate spending, and just not going to take it anymore! “It’s your money, and you want it NOW!” At least then you’ll get your tax-money’s worth through some ‘free lodging’.
Thayne on August 09 at 6:05 p.m.
I agree that not all government workers are lazy and inept. Tim - shouldn’t a police officer frisk and handcuff someone before putting them in their cruiser? Anyway, when will costs passed to the tax payer reach the point where they are too much? The costs for everything from fuel to electricity just keeps going up. I keep cutting things like basic cable and eating out once in a while and I still have more month left than money. I know many people live excessively, but if you have to cut everything but the bare basics, life would just be working and sleeping - and paying taxes.
Dazzeetrader11 on August 09 at 9:10 p.m.
Cougar…Nomore’s only doing what he can to support your hero Obama. Whatta laugher.
And yes Verner makes the budget and proposes taxes….the Council debates and approves or otherwise Ninch. This tab tax came right from Verner’s office. Seems fitting since she’s the culprit in spending for nothin.
Absolutely the best post is from Ms J. No doubt. Switcheroo and hiding things from th taxpayer is exactly what Verner’s done all along. Her version of transparency is quite befuddling.
She should quit. Obviously she doesn’t know how to manage a city or balance a budget…but she’s more thanhappy to pass her nonsense on to the taxpayers…and then act surprised at her shortfalls. This is incompetency and deception at it’s finest.
What has she done again? One project? One smart thing? Anything at all? I know….she’s spent the city into debt and then tries to fine the taxpayers for her idiocy. Nice. Waldref, Rush and Snyder will pass this tab tax….it won’t ever see the light of day…..but it’ll get done to pay for Verner’s spending.
Somebody give her a federal job and pack her suitcases for her. Never will she be re-elected if Spokane knows the shell game she’s been running.
Blackwater on August 10 at 6:31 a.m.
If the tab tax is approved it would seem to be another attack on the hard workers who can afford the benefits of an automobile. It would appear that if taxes are to be raised, there should be a particular criteria followed. 1) Will the funds raised go to remedy something that particular cross section of tax payer gave it for, and benefit them exclusively? Simple accountability. The tax should be across the board if at all, a sales tax. (as someone stated) We all use roads to get to the stores, if a bike puts less ware fine, their tab is $2.00 etc.
Daisy Minken, Coffee, and Nomore,
I think it would be prudent to come to a focus for fiscal responsibility and forcefully relay them to whomever is in the office of Mayor as well as underneath. I think a junto as Ben Franklin use to call it may be most conducive. By the way, the Marine Corps was invented through a junto at the Tun Tavern, over a few pints I assume. I digress…
We must all share the budget burden including unions, to not share it creates more division between the citizenry and city. Unions are as tricky as they are powerful, must tread lightly, that’s the only way to envelope. They are an archaic system that is (right coffee) unsustainable. It’s not hard to find out how unions are bankrupting states… eh hum, CA.
I found this thread as I searched online as to why my property taxes just rose over 30% this month. I will get to the bottom of this and then decide what action to take. If you any of you know why, I’d like to know. 99223
Dazzeetrader11 on August 10 at 10:44 a.m.
Fire the Mayor and replace Verner with a responsible mayor. Rid us of RUsh, Waldref and Snyder….is another start.
Rid us of Gregoire and Obama…taxes and cost and even union influences will receed.
We’re beating a dead system if the Unions remain strong. They aren’t NOT for rhe citizens…they are for themselves and the citizens pay for this absurd sytem. Non sustainable…and harmful as Blackwater indicates.
The worst part of this whole situation is that even if one works hard and makes money through investment of time, resources, etc…for no particular reason, the Government ( Verner now) wants you money.
Wake up people. NO NEW TAXES> She has the money already! No NEW TAXES for Verner’s shell game.
She needs to go as far away as possible as soon as possible.
Ridings10 on August 11 at 11:32 a.m.
Oh my gosh Daisy I’m a righty and you’re driving me f’in crazy. I come to this site to read good debate and opinions about the issues. Everything you post rips on Obama and every person in power. If a dog was to crap on your yard you’d be blaming Obama and Gregoire. We get the idea you’re trying to relay and it’s getting really annoying when you have nothing new to say.
I agree that this tab tax is not right. Especially since the fees will just replenish the fund after they take money out to put somewhere else. So this will not improve roads, just keep them the same, which is downright lousy.
Scoutster on August 13 at 8:41 a.m.
JerDecturkey…
Yes, we just get used to her. It’s kinda like flies at the bar-b-q. You just put up with the annoyance.