Community Government
Gig Harbor City Council slightly increases property tax rate
The Gig Harbor City Council voted unanimously to increase the city’s property tax levy by 1.14 percent in 2024 at a meeting Monday, Nov. 13.
The 2024 levy will bring in $3,404,969, $83,187 more than this year. That calculates to a rate of about $0.6981 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The 2023 rate is $0.6979, according to Finance Director Dave Rodenbach
Councilmembers and city staff had discussed the property tax issue in depth at a study session earlier this month.
No members of the public spoke about the levy increase during a public hearing before the council voted. That didn’t surprise Rodenbach. He said he doesn’t remember any public comment on property tax items in the 28 years he has worked for the city.
Property taxes also increase when a home’s assessed value goes up, he added.
City asking Legislature for $1.5 million for Sports Complex
The council also approved the city’s 2024 legislative agenda, including a request for $1.5 million to complete the first phase of the Sports Complex. The city and the Tom Taylor Family YMCA would math the state’s contribution.
The Sports Complex project comprises 30 acres near the YMCA. The city expects Phase 1B of the project to cost $3.8 million for pickleball and bocce ball courts, a playground, event lawn, sheltered performance stage, two covered picnic areas and parking. The YMCA is financially responsible for Phase 1A, $7 million for two lighted, turfed multi-sport fields.
The city is also asking the Legislature for $2.2 million from the state’s Climate Commitment Act fund to cover costs of a new HVAC system for the Civic Center on Grandview Street.
In addition, Gig Harbor is joining other Pierce County cities requesting that the Legislature allow law enforcement officers to engage in vehicular pursuit of suspects in property crimes or car theft.
Habitat for Humanity update
Liz Crouse, policy and advocacy manager for Pierce County Habitat For Humanity, updated the council about three homes the nonprofit is building for low-income people off Canterwood Boulevard near St. Anthony Hospital. They will be the first zero-carbon Habitat homes in the United States constructed with insulated concrete forms — two concrete forms with a layer of Styrofoam insulation in-between. Habitat is looking for qualified buyers for two of the homes, Crouse said.
Upcoming meeting
The next city council meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov 27, at the Civic Center. The meeting will take place in person and via zoom. The Civic Center will be closed Nov. 23 and 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday.