THIS IS AN ARCHIVED NEWS STORY FROM 2020 AND THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE MAY NO LONGER APPLY. FOR THE LATEST COMMUNITY NEWS CLICK HERE.
The Newcastle City Council roundups offer a digest of notable items for those who can't make it to the regular meetings. View the meeting agenda packet here and watch the meeting video here. View past City Council roundups at newcastlewa.gov/councilrecaps.
COUNCIL APPROVES UTILITY TAX ORDINANCE
During the June 2nd meeting, the Newcastle City Council approved a 3 percent utility tax, beginning January 2021. The utility tax will generate about $880,000 in revenue annually. Based on a total of approximately 5,500 residential dwelling units in the City, the average residential dwelling unit would pay approximately $10 a month.
The ordinance that the City Council passed includes a 3 percent tax on the following utilities: telephone (including cellular), gas/electricity, water/sewer, cable television and solid waste. During the meeting, the Council amended the ordinance to reduce the stormwater utility tax from the proposed 3 percent to 0.
A utility tax is imposed upon the utility itself. Utility companies in the state pass these taxes on to their customers. Many utilities list the tax as a separate item on the utility bill since it is part of their business costs.
The ordinance that the Council passed includes a referendum clause, giving citizens an opportunity to collect enough signatures to put the matter on the ballot and have residents vote on utility tax implementation.
GENERAL UPDATES
— Mayor Linda Newing officially proclaimed June as Class of 2020 Senior Recognition Month in the City of Newcastle.
The Newcastle City Council wants to hear from you! Members of the public are invited to share thoughts during public hearings or two open public comment periods at meetings. Regular meetings of the City Council occur on the first and third Tuesdays of each month starting at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. You can also email your thoughts to Councilmembers at [email protected].