No tax increase in Washington preliminary budget
Washington City Council had the first reading of its 2026 budget that will hold the line on taxes.
The city’s $15.3 million spending plan for 2026 keeps millage at 5.53 mills for buildings. The rate for land is 38.71 mills.
A final budget is expected to be adopted in December.
Council approved an increase in solid waste collection fees from $300 to $320 annually per dwelling unit. The increase was approved to offset the cost of the increased fees of the service provider.
Also approved were two ordinances extending the Local Tax Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act (LERTA) to August 2030. LERTA is a five-year plan in which the first year of construction of a new residential or commercial property is tax-free, with the full tax bill not required until the fifth year.
“It really gives an opportunity for a business to start up and helps with the upfront costs,” explained Councilman Ken Westcott. “It also works on residential properties. If you buy a new home and you need to put a new addition on, that portion of that will be reduced by the LERTA. Hopefully, we can get our residents to buy into it a little more and take advantage of it. Not enough people take advantage of this program. It’s a great program.”
Council also appointed three new members to the zoning hearing board – Rich Corso, Todd Iams and Rodney Jones – to five-year terms, effective Thursday.
The city had been seeking members for the zoning hearing board after vacancies were created by resignations. In October, Evan Schiarra was appointed to a five-year term.
In an associated move, council approved Sweat Law Offices, Michael Cruny and Sarah Scott to provide legal services for the zoning hearing board for a monthly rate of $200 and an hourly wage of $185.