University Place council adopts 1% property tax levy increase for 2026, funds dedicated to public safety
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Summary
The council adopted a 1% increase in the 2026 regular property tax levy, raising an estimated $60,221 to support police and public safety; the estimated levy becomes $7,152,170 and equates to about $0.95 per $1,000 of assessed value (65¢ for qualifying seniors).
The University Place City Council on Nov. 17 adopted an ordinance authorizing a 1% increase in the city’s 2026 property tax levy, the maximum available under the lesser‑of rule tied to the implicit price deflator or statutory limit.
Finance Director Leslie Blaisdale said the proposed levy increase of $60,221 would raise the 2026 levy to approximately $7,152,170 and estimated the impact at about $0.95 per $1,000 of assessed value for typical taxpayers; the senior‑citizen exemption would see an estimated 65¢ per $1,000. Blaisdale noted the city dedicates property‑tax revenues to police and public‑safety services and that final assessed values will be confirmed in December or early January after appeals are resolved.
During council consideration, members asked clarifying questions about how the levy increase compares with public‑safety contract inflation; Blaisdale noted the June‑to‑June CPI was 2.7% and that public safety contract costs frequently exceed the modest levy increases the city can adopt annually.
A roll‑call vote was taken and councilmembers voted to adopt the ordinance. No members voted against the measure at the Nov. 17 meeting.
What happens next: The city will finalize assessed values when county certification is complete and proceed with levy implementation for the 2026 budget year.