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Port Angeles council approves 1% increase to city levy for collection in 2026 after public hearing
Summary
After a two-hour public hearing with many residents urging no increase, the Port Angeles City Council adopted an ordinance and resolution authorizing a 1% increase in the city's regular property tax levy for collection in 2026; council discussion focused on levy mechanics and alternatives to taxation.
The Port Angeles City Council voted to adopt an ordinance levying regular ad valorem property taxes for collection in 2026 and a companion resolution authorizing the 1% increase permitted under state law.
Serena, a city finance staffer, said the levy can be increased only by 1% in its entirety under state law and gave an example to show the likely homeowner impact: “a home valued at $300,000 in 2025 would see an average increase of about $10.83 for the full year,” she said. The city’s financial policies also call for a 1% increase annually, and staff noted discounts and deferrals are available through the county assessor for seniors and disabled residents.
Residents who spoke during the public hearing urged the council to reject the increase. “It’s not just a 1% tax,” Noah Bridal told council, arguing that even small percentage increases compound burdens on people living paycheck to paycheck. Several other speakers said rising property bills are pricing long-term residents out of town.
Councilmembers debated how the levy functions in law and in practice. Councilmember Schwab (Drew) explained that the 1% limit applies to the total amount a city may collect, not a uniform 1% increase on every parcel, and that building new property is the primary way to grow collections: “the best way to increase property taxes is through new construction,” he said. Other councilmembers emphasized trade-offs between cutting staff or services and relying on grant funding and reserves to run the city.
Before the vote Mayor Kate Dexter called for ayes and opposed. Council members voiced aye and two members registered opposition; the mayor declared the motion passes and closed the public hearing.
What’s next: the ordinance and resolution adopted tonight direct the city clerk to certify the levy to the county; any discounts or deferral applications are handled by the county assessor.
