SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane residents could see higher utility costs next year under a proposal before the Spokane City Council on Monday night. The measure would raise the city’s utility tax by 0.5%, a temporary increase intended to help close a projected $13 million budget shortfall in 2026.

The city’s current utility tax rate for water, sewer and solid waste services is 21%. The proposed change would increase the rate to 21.5% for one year. According to the city, the increase would generate an estimated $1.4 million in additional revenue for the general fund.

A previously approved 5.47% utility rate increase is already scheduled to take effect in 2026.

City Public Works presented an example last week showing how the tax change would affect a typical customer. A resident living inside Sp

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