Snoqualmie’s City Council will consider approving a resolution opposing Initiative 1033 on Oct. 12.Initiative 1033 seeks to limit the growth of city, county and state governments by prohibiting general fund revenues from increasing faster than the rate of inflation and population growth. The initiative requires any revenue collected by the state, county or city in excess of the rate of inflation and population growth to be used to reduce property taxes. Fund transfers to the state’s constitutionally-required “rainy day” fund, federal funds and voter-approved revenues would be exempt.
In September, Carnation’s City Council approved a resolution opposing the Tim Eyman-sponsored ballot initiative, and North Bend is considering a similar resolution. Kirkland also passed a resolution opposing I-1033.
Snoqualmie finance officer Donya Gregson said it’s difficult to estimate what I-1033’s effect on the city would be.
One of the likely effects could be that the city could not replenish its reserve funds after expensive natural disasters, such as the floods, Gregson said.
The initiative’s effect might not be known until it is litigated and interpreted by a court, city attorney Pat Anderson said.
“If it passes, a court will tell us,” Anderson said.
Reach reporter Michael Bayless Rowe at mrowe@snovalleystar.com or 392-6434, ext. 248.
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