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Mountlake Terrace council approves 1% property tax levy increase for 2026
Summary
The council voted to adopt the 2025 property tax levy to be collected in 2026, approving the maximum 1% increase allowed under law; staff said the average homeowner’s bill will rise about $2.84 and the levy is expected to add roughly $33,000 to city revenues.
The Mountlake Terrace City Council voted Nov. 19 to adopt the ordinance setting the 2025 property tax levy to be collected in 2026 with a 1% increase, the lower of 1% or inflation as allowed under state limits.
Finance staff reported the 2026 assessed value for Mountlake Terrace and staff recommended the 1% increase because the IPD (inflation proxy) is 2.44% this year. Staff said the change would raise the operating levy and yield about $33,000 in additional revenue, increasing the average household’s annual property tax bill by approximately $2.84.
Council members framed the vote in the context of rising costs citywide — water, sewer, stormwater and garbage rate adjustments were cited — and said incremental increases like this are intended to help maintain fiscal balance rather than require larger, later increases. One council member noted the city faces an estimated $1.3 million deficit and saw the levy as a modest contribution to addressing that gap.
The council opened the required public hearing; no members of the public signed up to speak. After discussion the council adopted the ordinance by recorded voice/roll-call vote, with the motion passing 6–1 (six in favor, one opposed). Staff said any further changes to rates or fees would come through separate budget or rate-setting processes.
