City talks about raising property tax

RITZVILLE – City council held a public forum at their Nov. 3 meeting to discuss passing the annual 1% ad valorem tax levy. The levy was not passed due to waiting on more information from the Adams County Assessor’s office, according to City Clerk-Treasurer Julie Flyckt.

The 1% increase over last year’s property taxes will provide the city an estimated additional $6,077.

“We’ve always passed it, every year. It’s good to keep it moving forward,” said Flyckt. “However, there was some discussion about possibly not passing it, due to the impact of COVID-19 on our community and businesses.”

The council was scheduled to discuss the tax levy again at their Nov. 17 council meeting as this article goes to press.

The levy is the maximum amount allowable by law, and the additional revenue resulting from the addition of new construction, improvements to property, newly constructed wind turbines, any increase in value of state assessed property, and any annexations that have occurred and refunds made.

Funds collected are to be used for the purpose of municipal government for the fiscal year January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021 against all real and personal property as shown on Adams County records.

Adams County Assessor Sherri Brewer estimated the maximum levy to be approximately $346,861. If there is a decrease in the Library District levy rates, that figure could change.

Flyckt said she is still waiting to hear back from the auditor on the assessed value of property the city annexed last year, where the Lifecare center was located.

“But the change would be minimal, and we have to get this in, as it is due by the end of November according to the RCW (Revised Code of Washington),” said Flyckt.

The council will also be holding a preliminary budget public hearing at the Nov. 17 meeting. The final budget public hearing will be held at the Dec. 1 city council meeting. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. and the public is invited. Contact City Hall at 659 1930 for call-in information to attend.