EVERETT, MARCH 3: This morning, District 1 Councilmember Nate Nehring announced a proposal to increase transparency and public awareness whenever the County Council considers ordinances which would increase taxes. Councilmember Nehring also serves as the Planning and Community Development Committee chair.
The proposed measure would require Council staff to provide formal notification to local news outlets, post clear notice on the County Council’s official webpage, and share information across the County Council’s social media accounts whenever an ordinance that would raise taxes is scheduled for consideration.
“Tax increases directly affect every resident and business in our community,” said Councilmember Nehring. “Our responsibility is not only to deliberate thoughtfully, but also to ensure the public has timely, accessible information about proposals that impact their wallets. This measure is about openness, accountability, and public engagement.”
Currently, while ordinances are publicly posted in accordance with state and local noticing requirements, there is no specific requirement for targeted outreach when legislation would increase taxes. In a press release distributed by the Legislative Aide to Councilmember Nehring, Russell Wiita, it is stated that this proposal aims to create a consistent and proactive communication standard to ensure residents are fully informed on these important decisions.
The proposal will be formally introduced during Tuesday’s County Council Administrative Session, where it will be assigned to the Finance, Budget, and Administration Committee. The proposal will be considered at a future date following committee deliberations. Council meeting agendas can be viewed at this link.
Based on a press release from Russell Wiita, Legislative Aide to Councilman Nate Nehring of Snohomish County.
