City raises property taxes by 1, taking allowable increase

The Sammamish City Council has unanimously voted to increase property taxes by 1% for 2025, adhering to Washington state law's maximum allowable increase. This adjustment is expected to cost the median homeowner about $11 more annually, totaling approximately $1,543. Chris Gianini, the city's deputy director of finance, highlighted that Sammamish retains only 14% of the property taxes collected, with the majority allocated to essential services like education and emergency medical care. Despite the tax increase, the overall property tax levy rate will decline by 12 cents per $1,000 due to rising property values. The city's assessed property values have surged by 12.

3%, leading to a projected median home value of $1. 4 million in 2025. Consequently, homeowners will face higher tax payments despite the nominal rate decrease. The city anticipates that the additional revenue, estimated at $302,446, will bolster operational support. Public comments on the ordinance were accepted from November 4 to November 19, but no discussion occurred during the council meeting.