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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2023
City of Kenmore Communications
communications@kenmorewa.gov
425-398-8900
KENMORE, Wash. - On Monday, February 13, the Kenmore City Council will bring forward a proposed plan for funding the first phase of implementation for its Climate Action Plan and growing Housing and Human Services needs. The proposal includes increases in three revenue sources: 1) vehicle license fees, 2) garbage utility tax, and 3) natural gas utility tax. When combined, they would cost a typical Kenmore household an additional $11.53 per month (approximately).
The Kenmore City Council’s top two priorities for 2023 and 2024 are 1) Climate Action Plan Implementation and Environmental Stewardship and 2) Affordable Housing, both of which are urgent issues that demand immediate action. Human Services is closely related to affordable housing and is also in need of additional resources. Meaningful implementation of these top two priorities will require funding and staffing beyond what is currently budgeted in the City’s General Fund for 2023-24.
During budget meetings last fall, the City Council discussed the urgent needs around climate change, housing, and human services, and directed staff to come back in January with a proposal to fund the initial phases of these efforts. At the January 23, 2023 meeting, the City Council voted unanimously to bring forward the proposed plan for action and approval at the February 13, 2023 City Council meeting.
The funding proposal includes a new 10% solid waste utility tax that would be added to Republic Services garbage and recycling bills (averaging $5.19 per month, depending on services), a 2% increase to the current Natural Gas Utility Tax included on Puget Sound Energy bills (an average of $3 additional per month), and a proposed increase of Kenmore’s local vehicle license fee from $20 per year per vehicle to $40 per year per vehicle. Assuming a household with two cars, the cost increase would be $40 per year. The average combined cost to a Kenmore household would be about $138 per year.
The proposal includes three new positions to support the Climate Action Plan and Housing & Human Services work: a Climate Action Plan Manager to immediately begin implementing key portions of the CAP and explore resources and grant funding opportunities to meet Kenmore’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030; a Housing & Human Services Manager to help Kenmore residents in need, develop and grow key community partnerships, conduct a needs assessment, and apply for grant funding for housing and human services needs; and one additional staff member to provide administrative support on the City’s finance team.
For additional information on the Climate Action Plan and Housing & Human Services funding proposal, visit www.kenmorewa.gov/capandhousing.
View the agenda for the February 13, 2023 Kenmore City Council Meeting here.
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