Liberty Lake budget draft proposes tax decrease

Liberty Lake’s city finance director unveiled a draft of the 2005 budget at the council meeting on Tuesday night.

For the third year in a row, the city is proposing a property tax decrease.

The draft ordinance for property taxes included a decrease of 1/2 of one percent. If passed by the council, this gives Liberty Lake taxpayers a third round of tax decreases.

Arlene Fisher gave a detailed power point presentation, saying she expects that the city will carry over around $800,000 from this year’s budget. She anticipates next year’s expenditures in various funds to be around $9 million.

Keeping streets in top condition are a priority, said Fisher, who recommended that the city spend over $1 million for maintenance and new projects.