Mountlake Terrace Could Add Millions in New Property Taxes—Here’s What’s Happening

The City of Mountlake Terrace is facing a multi-million-dollar budget deficit, according to city staff. Rather than reducing spending, a majority of the City Council is poised to move forward with two huge property tax increases which will hit city residents.

The first tax proposal would reverse a commitment made to voters when the city annexed into the Regional Fire Authority (RFA.) As a result of that annexation, city residents now pay a significant increase in property taxes to the RFA for fire services. According to Councilmember Bryan Wahl, the commitment made to voters prior to the 2023 RFA annexation was that the city would reduce its share of the property tax burden as it would no longer be providing those fire services. Now, he is concerned the city is going back on that commitment and will be proposing to raise $2.47 million in property taxes councilmanically (without a vote of the people.)

However, this $2.47 million increase will not cover the city’s “budget shortfall.” So, the Council also moved forward a proposal to send an additional $2.3 million property tax hike to the ballot for voter consideration.

These proposals were moved forward on a 5-2 vote. Councilmembers Bryan Wahl and Laura Sonmore deserve to be commended for their “no” votes and for defending city taxpayers.

Make your voice heard and encourage the rest of the City Council to reject these huge property tax hikes. Public hearings will be held this fall on the city’s 2027 budget proposals, but your elected officials need to hear from you now!

Submit public comment opposing these property tax increases by sending an email to cityhall@mltwa.gov.

Council Position 1 – Sam Doyle
Council Position 2 – Steve Woodard
Council Position 3 – William Paige Jr.
Council Position 4 – Kyoko Matsumoto Wright
Council Position 5 – Bryan Wahl
Council Position 6 – Laura Sonmore
Council Position 7 – Erin Murray