The Spokane City Council is poised to raise utility taxes and rates by half a percent for the next year, the second tax increase proposed to help fill a projected $13 million budget deficit in 2026.

The city’s tax on its own sewer, trash and water systems already is 21%, second highest among the five largest cities in Washington.

The council is scheduled to vote on Monday on proposals to raise that tax to 21.5%, and utility rates would also increase by 0.5%.

Seemingly every council member agrees that increasing utility costs for residents is a regressive way to shore up the budget, hitting the city’s wealthiest households no more than those who can least afford it. But at least five members of the council appear ready to pinch their noses, arguing that they need more revenue to balance

See Full Page