Tax Increase Likely For Washington City Residents

Washington City Council is set to approve a 1.5 mill tax increase. During the agenda meeting Mayor JoJo Burgess voiced his displeasure with having to raise taxes. He thanked City Clerk Michele Sperl for her efforts this year on collecting fees on vacant properties. According to Burgess, more than $37,000 has been collected this year. Last year only $10,000 was collected and in 2022, Burgess stated that a mere $2000 was collected on those vacant property fees. Burgess also went after business owners. He said that if businesses are not up to date on taxes, their business privilege licenses will not be renewed. He said he is working on other actions so that people who are delinquent in taxes will pay their fair share so that tax increases on residents will be held at a minimum. Council will vote on the measure at their next meeting.