Council OK's tax increase at special meeting

Cathlamet town council members held a special meeting November 30 to approve an increase to the 2012 regular property tax levy for town residents.

The council voted to implement the 1 percent increase allowed without seeking a vote of town residents.

The council had determined that the town required a regular levy in the amount of $71,000. The authorized increase came to $3,332.98, not including any additional revenue derived from new construction or property improvements.

Town clerk-treasurer Tina Schubert clarified that authorization for an increase had to be completed before the end of November. The special meeting was scheduled because the figures were not yet available at the council’s regular November meeting.

After approving the increase, council members discussed the possibility of leasing space for town offices, but did not take any action.