Rural Development Outpaces Cities’

Far more new development occurred in unincorporated areas than in cities last year, according to figures released by the Spokane County Assessor’s Office.

County appraisers added $311 million in new residential and commercial construction to tax rolls countywide last year bringing the total to $15.4 billion, a boost of 2 percent.

Of that, $107 million was recorded inside the boundaries of the 11 cities in Spokane County, with $89.6 million in Spokane. New construction boosted the city’s tax base by 1.2 percent.

A total of $204.4 million in new construction was added in unincorporated areas, increasing the tax base there by 2.7 percent.

Spokane Valley’s Fire District No. 1 saw growth of 2.3 percent, with $84.4 million in new construction.

Among the large school districts, Mead saw its valuation grow by 3.5 percent; Cheney by 3 percent; East Valley by 2.9 percent; Central Valley by 2.5 percent; West Valley by 1.6 percent; and Spokane’s District No. 81 by 1.3 percent.

While cities, the county and fire districts gain extra money from new construction, school districts collect a set amount established by the Legislature and voters.

, DataTimes