AWC opposes a bill that would essentially double tax city residents.

HB 1042, sponsored by Rep. Sharon Wylie (D–Vancouver), would allow county treasurers to recover costs associated with the billing, collection, and distribution of property taxes on behalf of taxing districts. County treasurers would be able to charge an added cost to all taxing districts.

AWC and other local government entities stand together in opposition of the bill as written because it would essentially charge taxpayers twice for a county service. While AWC understands that counties are seeking additional funding to cover their costs, we firmly believe this isn’t the ideal mechanism to use.

City residents already pay county taxes to fund county services and shouldn’t be charged again through an additional fee on city tax collection—especially when it reduces the funds available for essential city services.

Dates to remember

HB 1042 is scheduled for a public hearing on Thursday, February 13 in the House Finance Committee at 1:30 pm.