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Votes at a glance: Auburn council adopts tax, code updates, committee appointments and hires planning consultant
Summary
At its Feb. 18 meeting the Auburn City Council approved five ordinances updating tax and appeal procedures, reappointed and appointed several advisory board members, selected two councilmembers for an ad hoc rules committee, and adopted a resolution to hire consultants for special planning areas.
The Auburn City Council on Feb. 18 adopted a package of ordinances and resolutions, approved multiple board appointments, and selected members for an ad hoc committee. Most measures carried by voice vote after brief introductions by Councilmember Baldwin and staff.
Why it matters: the ordinances update local tax administration and definitions that affect businesses and events in Auburn; the appointment of a consultant for the Stuck River Road and Mount Rainier Vista special planning areas starts a planning process that could shape development in those areas; board appointments refill advisory panels that advise the city on lodging tax spending, business improvement, cemetery matters and parks and recreation.
Key outcomes
- Ordinance 6963 (B&O tax): Councilmember Baldwin moved to adopt an ordinance amending sections of Auburn City Code relating to the business and occupation tax to clarify administration and enforcement; Deputy Mayor Raikes seconded. The measure passed by voice vote.
- Ordinance 6964 (solid waste and utilities): Baldwin moved to approve code updates clarifying solid-waste definitions and removing obsolete filing/payment language; Councilmember Clinton Taylor seconded. The ordinance passed by voice vote.
- Ordinance 6967 (admissions tax): Baldwin moved to expand and clarify admissions-tax definitions (cover charges, reserved seating, private clubs, subscriptions, and applicability to food/refreshments); the motion was seconded and the ordinance passed by voice vote.
- Ordinance 6968 (local revitalization sales/use tax rate for 2025): Baldwin moved to establish the local sales and use tax rate for local revitalization financing for 2025; Deputy Mayor Raikes seconded. The ordinance passed by voice vote.
- Ordinance 6969 (appeal procedures): Deputy Mayor Raikes moved to adopt amendments to appeal procedures to refer certain reviews to neutral magistrates and to refine correction timeframes for violations; the motion was seconded and the ordinance passed by voice vote. City staff noted a misprint on the meeting agenda for the bill but confirmed the correct ordinance text was before council and read aloud.
- Resolution 58-11 (planning consultants): Councilmember Tracy Taylor moved to adopt Resolution 58-11 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Auburn and Seagali Properties LLC and OTAC Inc. for consulting services related to the Stuck River Road and Mount Rainier Vista special planning areas; Councilmember Baldwin seconded. The resolution passed by voice vote. Staff said the consultant work will begin scoping development options and community engagement for the identified growth center; the city indicated it could extend the public-scoping window beyond 30 days if needed.
Appointments and consent items
- Elizabeth Burton was reappointed to the Auburn Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2027. Motion: Deputy Mayor Raikes; second: Councilmember Trent Manuel; outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Rachel Perry and Trevor Schneckloth were appointed to the Business Improvement Area Committee for three-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2027. Motion: Deputy Mayor Raikes; second: Councilmember Amer; outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Bridget Jones was appointed to the Cemetery Board for a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2027. Motion: Councilmember Baldwin; second: Councilmember Amer; outcome: approved by voice vote.
- John Boatman was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board for a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2027. Motion: Councilmember Baldwin; second: Councilmember Trent Manuel; outcome: approved by voice vote.
- Consent agenda (minutes, payroll, vouchers): Deputy Mayor Raikes moved approval; Councilmember Clinton Taylor seconded. Councilmember Baldwin summarized vouchers: one batch of $11,710, a second batch of electronic/wire transfers totaling about $4,320,000, and payroll covering approximately $2,980,000. The consent agenda passed by voice vote.
Ad hoc committee for council rules of procedure
Council selected two members to serve on a 2025 Council Rules and Procedures Ad Hoc Committee. Councilmember Baldwin moved to appoint herself and Councilmember Clinton Taylor; the motion was seconded. Councilmember Tracy Taylor attempted to add herself by amendment; that amendment failed for lack of a majority. The original motion carried on a 4-2 vote; Councilmembers Baldwin and Clinton Taylor will serve on the ad hoc committee with the deputy mayor serving ex officio.
Public comment highlights (no council action)
- A resident identified as Elder Montague urged the council to recognize SpiritFest, a volunteer-run meal program, by adopting a resolution designating April 1, 2025 as SpiritFest recognition day and circulated a proposed resolution.
- Josie Hunter expressed concern about potential changes to federal funding and asked how the city is monitoring risks; staff said the Human Services director had alerted council that HUD asked the city to pause submission of a consolidated plan due to uncertainty in federal funding and that the city is monitoring developments.
Ending: Council members closed the meeting after mayor and council reports, noting ongoing community engagement efforts including the Safe Auburn follow-up series and upcoming State of the City events. Several measures approved on Feb. 18 will be implemented by city staff according to existing administrative processes.
