When we talk about ‘the Marina’, we’re really discussing two things: a core business serving boaters since 1970, and the larger public space that business makes possible – including our Beach Park, Fishing Pier and every other waterfront amenity both now and into the future. I want to address some important questions about that waterfront
... continue reading.Finance
2024 Marina Master Plan Costs
3 Comments on 2024 Marina Master Plan CostsI’m starting this article, like my Marina Timeline, to help me (and hopefully you) understand the enormity of the task of upgrading the core functions of the Marina. This is all Marina Floor. No Steps, no Beach Park, no 223rd Streets, no Midway, no Redondo, no nothing. Discussion I’ll begin by putting this in the
... continue reading.What does public safety have to do with batteries?
Leave a comment on What does public safety have to do with batteries?Normally, I wait until Sunday to post a Weekly Update, but I wanted to share this article as a ‘taster’ of what you can find in every week. Whether you agree with my points of view or not, I think you’ll find they contain lots of useful information. At our last city council meeting, there
... continue reading.Police response times are improving!
Leave a comment on Police response times are improving!
At our August 2 City Council meeting, we received a police department update which showed that response times are actually improving! And yet, we're warned that the officer/resident ratio is low. But that begs an important question......
Categories Taxes
Did we, or did we not, have a dedicated fund for tax levy money in 2006?
Leave a comment on Did we, or did we not, have a dedicated fund for tax levy money in 2006?At the 25 July 2024 City Council meeting, the City put up a slide contradicting some of my concerns over the 2006 Lid Lift. I told staff months ago that when the previous (2006) levy lid lift passed that it had led to more police in the first year, but that police staffing had dropped
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About that Tax Levy Lid Lift Pamphlet
Leave a comment on About that Tax Levy Lid Lift PamphletNormally, I do not bother people more than once a week. However, after hearing from a bajillion residents, I have two significant concerns about the accuracy of the tax levy lid lift pamphlet you’ve all received from the City which I’d like to call to your attention. First Concern: the graphic The bar chart indicates
... continue reading.Ordinance No. 1346 – property tax lid lift 2004 for public safety, transportation, community services
This initiative failed
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Former City Councilmember says ‘A 64 percent tax increase because the Des Moines City Council won’t do its job!’
[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, submitted by a verified resident. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of South King Media, nor its staff:] A 64 percent tax increase because the Des Moines City Council won’t do its job! For the past eight years, the council majority has repeatedly lectured
... continue reading.RCW 84.36.381Residences Property tax exemption qualifications
Why some King County home values dropped while taxes on them rose
By Gene Balk / FYI Guy Seattle Times columnist If you’re a King County homeowner, it’s likely your home’s assessed value fell in 2024. Nearly everywhere in the county, assessed values dropped from last year. But you may be surprised to find your property tax didn’t go down nearly as much as you may have
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