Financial solutions are proposed in Washougal

The Washougal Finance Director has presented information about options that could offset a projected deficit of $322,000 in 2015.

During the City Council workshop Monday, Jennifer Forsberg said the renewal of a levy lid lift would bring in $144,000, while a $10 vehicle tab fee would generate $107,000.

Administrative efficiencies in the amount of $73,000 will occur because there are two vacant positions that will not be filled.

A levy lid lift of 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value would cost $27.50 for the owner of a $275,000 house. The money would go to fire and emergency medical services.

A vehicle license tab fee is proposed, to maintain streets. A phase-in would involve a $10 fee in 2015 and a $20 fee in 2016.

There would be exclusions for trailers and vehicles owned by disabled American veterans.

Councilwoman Joyce Lindsay said she favors the $20 proposal.

She said the people who have talked to her “want the town kept up” and the streets maintained.

Councilman Brent Boger said he would not be in favor of the tab fee, unless the issue is put on a ballot.

The license fee is mentioned in a survey that was recently sent to 1,200 randomly selected households in Washougal.

“I will look at the survey and the number of responses as well as the margin of error,” Boger said. “I am leaning against it.”

“I don’t have an answer yet,” said Councilwoman Connie Jo Freeman. “I will see what the folks say.”

Additional discussions are expected to occur during the council workshop, Monday, July 14, at 5:30 p.m. If the council approves the resolution during the Monday, July 28 meeting, at 7 p.m., it would meet the timeline to put the levy lid lift issue on the Nov. 4 General Election ballot.