Wenatchee City Council Votes for 1% Increase to Property Tax Levy

The Wenatchee City Council is electing to add it's annual 1% increase option to residents' property taxes after a 6-1 vote to approve the boost.

State law allows for cities to increase their property tax levies by up to 1% annually without a vote of the people.

Mayor Frank Kuntz doesn't anticipate much change for residents.

"I see our levy rates actually going down a little bit because property values are going up," stated Kuntz.

Board member Keith Huffaker, who was the only person to vote against the property tax levy increase, said it is irresponsible to raise taxes right now, especially during COVID and at a time when the city is working to spend down a surplus in its general fund.

"One of the biggest issues we have in Wenatchee is affordable housing." said Huffaker, "We know that any increase we put on property taxes are going to be passed on to renters and low income people who are renting those places."

The city expects to make $4.7 million off of its property tax levy next year, almost $400,000 more than the year before.