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Lacey commission recommends Bowker House tax-valuation to city council, contingent on documents by Dec. 1
Summary
The Lacey Historical Commission voted to recommend that city council approve a special tax-valuation for the Bowker House, but made the recommendation contingent on the property owner providing itemized documentation (vendor receipts and contractor documentation) by Dec. 1 so staff can confirm eligible expenses.
The Lacey Historical Commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve a special tax-valuation application for the Bowker House, provided the property owner supplies specified documentation by Dec. 1.
Staff member Aaron, who prepared the commission’s report, told commissioners that several required supporting documents were missing from the owner’s application. Aaron said the file lacked itemized vendor statements for waste disposal and roof cleaning, a vendor verification for interior windows beyond a canceled check, and documentation for the final contractor payment. “My recommendation…is to recommend to council that they approve it with the contingency” that those documents be produced, Aaron said.
Commissioner Dave Shipley moved the recommendation and explicitly tied approval to the requested paperwork. After discussion about the council schedule and certification deadlines, Shipley amended his motion to add a deadline: the commission would forward its recommendation contingent on receipt of the requested documents by Dec. 1. Commissioner Kimberly Getz seconded the motion and the commission adopted the amended motion by voice vote.
Why it matters: special tax valuation can reduce property taxes for owners of historic properties when eligible rehabilitation expenses meet statutory thresholds. Aaron said staff believes that if the owner provides itemized documentation for the three largest missing expense categories, the application will cross the eligibility threshold and be acceptable for council action. He also noted the municipal and county certification timeline: municipal approval must be completed before year end so the city can execute the agreement and certify to Thurston County.
What’s next: The commission will forward the recommendation to City Council; staff will review any documents received by the Dec. 1 deadline and, if complete, proceed with the paperwork needed for council and Thurston County certification. If documents are not received in time, the application may be delayed.
Motion (summary): Recommend that City Council approve the Bowker House special valuation and agreement contingent upon receipt of the requested documents from the property owner by Dec. 1. Mover: Dave Shipley. Second: Kimberly Getz. Outcome: motion adopted by voice vote.
Documentation and authority noted in meeting: staff referenced local municipal timelines and the need to certify to Thurston County; the commission’s recommendation is advisory to City Council.
