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Council hears staff summary of state truth-in-taxation changes that require earlier notice
Summary
City staff briefed the council on a state bill by Rep. Karen Peterson that requires earlier public notice and an explanatory document if a municipality contemplates increasing property-tax revenue, though certified county tax rates still arrive later in the cycle so hearings remain in August.
At the March 10 meeting staff reviewed recent state legislation affecting property-tax procedures. The bill, sponsored by Representative Karen Peterson, requires cities that intend to go through the truth-in-taxation process to provide earlier approximate notice and a document describing what additional tax revenue would be used for, staff said.
Staff explained that certified county tax rates still arrive late in June, so the practical timing of the public hearing and the budget adoption remains constrained; the bill is intended to add transparency and require an explanatory document that clarifies the purpose of any contemplated revenue increase before the council proceeds through truth-in-taxation. The change does not remove the August hearing window but does obligate earlier communication with the public about possible increases.
Staff urged council members to consider the administrative implications and to be prepared to provide estimated figures and an explanatory plan if they contemplate a property-tax increase.
