Sunday, February 9, 2025

Chelan approves annual property tax increase

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CHELAN – The city council held its 2025 Property Tax Levy public hearing during its regular bi-monthly meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12, and approved an ordinance assessing a one percent increase in property taxes. Based on the previous year’s levy amount of $1,856,520, the one-percent increase is $18,655.20.

One Chelan resident's question regarding a freeze on property taxes for senior citizens on fixed incomes was referred to the county since all property taxes are paid through the county.

Records Management

The city approved the continuation of a September 2023 Council Professional Services Agreement with MG Consulting Services, LLC for city records management. 

Consultant Megan Gregor, who has a decade of city clerk experience, reported to the council with before-and-after photos of the results of the multi-step process that freed up storage space through the organization, digitization, transfer, and disposition of paper and electronic records.

“We processed more than 400 boxes,” said Gregor. “Twenty-two boxes have been sent to archives…and about 100 boxes slated for further retention.”

Gregor said she applied for a records grant, and Chelan was one of eight cities out of 122 applicants to receive it. In addition, Chelan was among only three recipients to be awarded more than $40,000.

MG Consulting Services, LLC will continue to assist each department with:

Print Records - Retention / Organization. 

Current Electronic Records - Retention / Organization. 

Future Electronic Records - Laserfiche Organization and Structure. 

Provide Records Management Training and Guidance. 

RCO Grant

The city voted to finalize and execute the $700,000 Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) Grant Agreement Acceptance for Lakeside Park. 

Following a successful Parks Department application with assistance from the Berger Partnership, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant for the Lakeside Renovation was unofficially awarded in 2020. The grant award was delayed pending new regulations that allowed for more state and federal reviews. The RCO (RCO) helped expedite that process and complete the award.

Prosecution Services

The city approved a 2025 agreement with Chelan County for Prosecution Services. Chelan has contracted with the county since 2004.

The agreement is based upon the total number of 138 gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor crimes occurring within the city limits and prosecuted during the 12-month period Sept. 1, 2023 - August 31, 2024. 

In 2021, Chelan switched from paying a flat annual rate to paying on a per case rate of $275. In 2023, the county requested an increase from $275 to $300 per case. At $300 per, those 138 cases total $41,400. The council approved that change in last year’s contract. 

Using the $300/case multiplier this year, the county is asking for $41,400. The contract amount this year is roughly equivalent to what the city paid a decade ago.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media

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