Moses Lake approves 1 percent levy increase

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake City Council held a public hearing before approving the first reading of an ordinance that increases the city's property tax levy by 1 percent for next year.

The proposed 2011 tax levy for collection in 2012 is $15 million, representing an increase of 1 percent over last year's rate or an estimated $102,229 in additional revenues, according to Moses Lake City Manager Joe Gavinski.

This is in addition to any increases resulting from the addition of new construction and improvements to property as authorized by state law, and any increased value of assessed utility property.

The city's actual levy amount from the previous year was reportedly $10,222,955.

The council will consider a second reading of the ordinance in their Nov. 8 meeting.