Camas talks taxes ahead of 2023-24 budget decisions

The Camas City Council will hold public hearings on Monday, Nov. 21, to discuss two possible tax increases that will help determine the final scope of the city’s biennial 2023-24 budget.

Earlier this month, during the Council’s Nov. 7 meeting, council members weighed five possible taxing options — including the scenario Camas Mayor Steve Hogan included in his proposed 2023-24 budget, which calls for a 1% property tax increase and a new 3% utility tax on the city’s water, sewer, solid waste and stormwater utilities.

• $7 million to “address critical components of the city’s facilities assessment” report, which noted in July 2022, that the city is facing nearly * $35 million worth of needed upgrades and repairs to 17 of its publicly owned buildings, including $17 million in “observed deficiencies” that should be addressed before 2027;
• $2 million for “life-saving equipment” for the city’s public safety and fire departments;
• $8.6 million to enhance essential transportation routes throughout the city;
• $7.4 million for park and trail development;
• $1.2 million worth of investments in the Camas Public Library; and
• $1.3 million for “critical technology.”