Medical Lake council OKs tax hike
Property, EMS rates to increase 1 percent
MEDICAL LAKE—The proposed 1 percent increase in property and Emergency Medical Services taxes will go into effect within five days of the last city council meeting. The council had its second reading of the ordinance at its regular meeting Tuesday night and was approved, with Council members Brenda Redell and Jeff King opposing the ordinance.
The increase means an extra $4,504 in property taxes for the city.
“It goes mostly toward your public safety funds,” said Finance Director Pamela McBroom at the prior city council meeting.
The council also welcomed new police Officer Abe Bingham to the city. He was hired Oct. 1.
“I’ve had a lot of fun so far,” Bingham told the council before he shook everyone’s hands.
Bingham is still doing field training — he’s not out in the police cruiser by himself yet, and expects to attend an equivalency course at the Police Academy in January.
Former Parks and Recreation employee Jessica Roberts has been hired as the new court administrator to replace Katrin Smith, who vacated the position in August.
“I think we’re very fortunate to have her in that position,” said Doug Ross, the city administrator.
Ross also told the council that the city has extended the employment of Don Mayfield for another six months.
Mayfield has been serving the city as the code enforcement officer, the first in Medical Lake.
Ross updated the council on plans to get ready for winter. The city is closing its composting trailer on Sunday, the skate park will be closing soon, public facilities are being winterized and crews should be gearing up to plow snow.
The council also agreed to hold a public hearing at the next council meeting to discuss the city budget for 2009 and should vote on the budget at the Dec. 2 meeting. There will also be another public hearing at the next council meeting to discuss vacating a 5-foot portion of Brewer Street. Residents Robert and Theresa Blum are planning to build an 8t-foot porch on the front of their home.
The next council meeting will be held Nov. 18.