Warden raises levy collection by 1%
Warden City Administrator Kriss Schuler explained that although the city will have a 1% increase on its levy collection, that does not mean that residents’ property taxes will increase by 1%.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
WARDEN — The Warden City Council unanimously approved an increase in the City of Warden’s property tax levy at the Oct. 14 regular council meeting. This will bring around $6,860 to the city.
“All property owners, not just residents within the City of Warden, will contribute to this,” Warden City Administrator Kriss Schuler said.
The city held a public hearing on the increase at the council meeting, with no residents commenting on the matter. The increase is 1% of the highest actual levy amount since 1985, which happened in 2025 at nearly $686,000. The increase will go into effect for the 2026 budget, and the ordinance is in effect five days after its passage.
“This does not mean that people's taxes are being increased by 1%; the total tax collections will be increased by 1%,” Schuler said.
According to the Washington Department of Revenue, the state limits individual taxing districts to an increase of 1% annually. The district must hold a vote and public meeting to pass an increase. The increased rate restriction does not include new construction, improvements to property, state-assessed utility value increase, wind turbines, solar, biomass or geothermal facilities that may be added to a district.