Title
Approval of an Ordinance Setting the 2023 Ad Valorem Tax
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to adopt on second reading, the Ordinance setting the 2023 Ad Valorem Tax in the amount of $19,994,908.73, exclusive of any legally allowed add-ons for new construction, state assessed property, and administrative refunds.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt on second reading, the Ordinance setting the 2023 Ad Valorem Tax in the amount of $19,994,908.73, exclusive of any legally allowed add-ons for new construction, state assessed property, and administrative refunds.
Staff Contact:
Aaron BeMiller, Finance Director, 360.753.8465
Presenter(s):
Aaron BeMiller, Finance Director
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis have not changed from first to second reading.
The City is required to adopt a property tax levy Ordinance and file a levy certification with Thurston County by November 30, 2021. If no certification is filed, the Council will levy the same amount as 2022. Under state law, property tax revenue increases are limited to the lessor of 1% or the Implicit Price Deflator (IPD) on the highest lawful levy amount. State law allows for add-ons from new construction, state assessed property, annexations, and refunds to be added to property tax revenue above the 1% legal limit. The IPD, which is a measure of the rate of inflation for personal consumption, is 6.457% for 2022. As such, the city is allowed to levy the full 1% increase on the highest lawful levy.
The 2023 general levy budget is based on a 1% increase over the previous year’s highest lawful levy, plus allowable add-ons above the 1% limitation for collection in 2023. Should the County Assessor’s Office adjust any levy amounts which impact revenue as they finalize their valuation process, an amended ordinance will be presented at second reading.
The regular levy for collections in 2023 totals $20,368,001.24, this includes legally allowed add-ons for new construction, state assessed property, and refunds. Based on the current assessed value from the County Assessor’s Office of $11,822,825,673 and revenue budget of $20,368,001.24, the estimated levy rate per $1,000 of assessed valuation is $1.72.
Additionally, the City will collect an excess levy to pay debt service on bonds issued with voter approval to fund fire facilities and equipment. In 2008, voters approved an excess levy to pay for a fire station, fire training facility, and equipment. Bonds were issued in 2009. This levy for 2023 will be $1,055,983.85, which includes a refund levy of $7,483.85. The estimated excess levy rate per $1,000 of assessed value is $0.09. The tax levy is used to pay the debt service on the fire bonds.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
This action will authorize a tax obligation on property owners for payment in 2023.
Options:
1. Move to adopt on second reading, the Ordinance setting the 2023 Ad Valorem Tax in the amount of $19,994,908.73, exclusive of any legally allowed add-ons for new construction, state assessed property, and administrative refunds.
2. Move to adopt the Ordinance with changes as identified by the City Council.
3. Direct staff to make changes and present the Ordinance at a future Council meeting.
Financial Impact:
General Expense Levy
$19,994,908.73 1% increase over highest lawful levy
$ 274,722.80 New construction
$ 9,564.47 State assessed property (estimate)
$ 88,755.23 Refund Levy
$20,368,001.24 Total General Expense Levy
Excess Fire Bond Levy
$1,048,500.00 Base Levy
$ 7,483.85 Refund Levy
$1,055,983.85 Total Excess Fire Bond Levy
Attachments:
Ordinance