The city of Kent continues to adjust to a new economic reality, where rising costs continue along with declining revenues.
While city finances have been well managed, the continued economic downturn and cuts in state funding for local governments has compromised the city’s ability to cover the increased costs. We cannot afford to lose these critical services.
Two independent citizen committees have recommended that a levy is necessary in order to maintain our parks and streets. With the passage of this levy many neighborhood ball fields, trails and other park amenities will be preserved.
In addition, 35 needed neighborhood street projects that include improved pavement, sidewalks, disabled access and lighting will funded and built. If facilities are allowed to deteriorate, they will have to be closed or built later at a much higher cost.
Even with the proposed increase of 37 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, Kent’s property taxes would still be less than comparable cities like Renton and Auburn. The business community would be paying a higher portion of these property taxes because their portion of the assessed valuation would be larger than the total residential portion.
Previous generations of Kent citizens built the streets and parks we all enjoy today. Preserving these services is essential to the future of our city. Please vote yes on Proposition 1 in the Nov. 6 election to continue to make Kent a great place to live, work and play.
– Jon Johnson
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