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Bill would let counties impose up to 3% public utility tax; supporters say counties need same tool cities already have
Summary
House Bill 1702 would authorize counties to impose a public-utility tax of up to 3% on gross utility income within county borders, allow some exemptions for business customers and credit city taxes against county levies; supporters said counties need revenue tools while utilities and low-income advocates warned the tax is regressive.
House Finance heard House Bill 1702 Feb. 21, which would authorize county legislative authorities to impose a county public utility tax of up to 3% of gross utility income derived from customers within the county. The tax would apply to electric, gas, telephone, water, sewer, solid waste and cable services utilities; utility bills would be required to separately state the county public-utility tax line.
Proponents said counties require more diversified revenue sources. Jill Johnson, an Island County commissioner, told the committee local cost pressures — insurance,…
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