CHENEY – In a public hearing for the 2023 tax levy, finance director Cindy Niemeier proposed changes to levy lift. Oct. 25.
“The tax levy, as a whole, is a property tax levy and its how government in general is funded.” Niemeier said.
“There was a state law passed a few years ago that limited how much a resident’s property taxes can increase. From 2021 to now, the tax payer’s property values went up 36% on average. That doesn’t mean that property taxes go up by the same amount, because of that state law limit.”
Residents voted to pass a permanent levy at $3.10 in 2015. This levy persisted for 5 years, and funded the police and fire departments.
“Then, the department of revenue came in and said that we had over-levied the residents.” Niemeier said. “They audited the county and determined that we owed the residents $601,957. Resident property owners will see a reduction in property taxes in 2023 as a result of that.”
“So, 2023 is the second year of a six year levy-lift, which raises the dollar amount of the lift by six percent per year. The base property tax increase is limited by law at 1% per year.” She continued.
“The residents were very generous with the first and second levies. I think that the city has seen positive effects from the levies, which went to and will continue to go toward public safety. Personnel, equipment and programs.”
Three more pubic hearings will be held for proposed budgets. The final public hearing will be on Dec. 13. All documents concerning the proposal can be found at the city of Cheney website.
Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.
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