Town Council approves first readings of levy increases

The Eatonville Town Council at its Oct. 25 meeting passed the first reading of property tax and Emergency Management Service levies for next year.

Next year’s proposed property tax levy includes an increase over this year of $6,863.53, representing an increase of 0.961 percent from the previous year.

The proposed EMS levy for 2022 includes an increase over this year of $1,113.37, representing an increase of 1 percent from 2021.

The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the town’s finances was not lost on members of the council.

“When we look at current expenses taking a $348,000 budgeting hit for the 2022 fiscal year, I think those are numbers that we need to re-evaluate and make sure that this town is able to weather any potential oncoming storms with drastic falls in property values,” Councilmember Bill Dunn said.

Second readings of the property tax and EMS levies are set for the next Eatonville Town Council meeting on Nov. 8.