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Sequim council directs staff to draft rule allowing junior taxing districts to request letters of support
Summary
Council voted to direct staff to draft an amendment to council rules to allow junior taxing districts to request letters of support for ballot measures under RCW 42.17A.555, to be returned by the council's second meeting in March.
The Sequim City Council voted Feb. 10 to direct staff to draft an amendment to the council rules that would permit junior taxing districts to request letters of support for ballot measures under RCW 42.17A.555. Council members set a timeline asking staff to return a proposed amendment by the council’s second meeting in March.
Council members said the change is intended to allow districts such as fire, library and school districts to request official letters of support while preserving guardrails in state law. Several council members emphasized the need to define limits and processes — including an opportunity for opposing viewpoints to be heard — consistent with the exceptions described in the RCW.
The council’s motion instructs staff to prepare draft language that reflects state statute and provides local guidance on the process and any necessary public-notice or hearing steps. Staff indicated they would flesh out statutory exceptions and practical procedures, then return the draft for council consideration.
Councilors also discussed whether the city manager or council lobbyist should take positions on individual bills; members agreed the rule language should be specific about what types of requests qualify and what steps follow when competing viewpoints exist.
