City Council approves annual property tax increase

Spokane City Council approved a 1 percent property tax increase Monday, which will be used to pay for police and fire department vehicles.

The state authorizes the City of Spokane to increase their property tax by one percent a year. Last year the city brought in almost $59 million in property taxes and will collect an additional $589,000 next year.

The city will also increase the Emergency Medical Services Levy, which was approved by voters in 2016 and will stay in effect until 2022. Last year the city collected $8.8 million and will collect an additional $85,000 next year.

Councilman Breean Beggs said the property tax increase is an annual, routine issue the council passes every year.

City Spokeswoman Marlene Feist said the money has been put toward police and fire vehicles since 2014.