This same item is posted on the Kitsap Caucus blog.
On Wednesday’s council agenda is one item that for the past five years has been a pro forma event, the passing of the 1 percent property tax levy increase.
This year, however, the city has all the legal right in the world to throw upcoming election margins to the wind and grab 6 percent. Council members appear in no mood to do that, heeding Gov. Chris Gregoire’s plea that local governments not rush for the cash in light of the overturned Initiative 747.
The council will also effectively lower its business and occupation tax by increasing the exemption from $40,000 to $60,000. This is part of the city’s intended move to eventually eliminate the tax completely to give businesses something of a break and make the city competitive with the county.
Bremerton has pro-active, progressive leadership. Kitsap County could take lessons from Bremerton’s Mayor, City Council, and Department Directors.
I applaud the city working towards eliminating the city B&O tax…this is one of the reasons some of our small biz peers have left the city or are considering moving outside the city limits in order to be more profitable. Great news!
Carlos Jara
I agree. Bremerton has an outstanding progressive leadership team in her Mayor, City Council and Department Directors….working together for the here and now, yet looking to the future.
Good job!
Sharon O’Hara