City Council votes on utility tax City of Sammamish

The Sammamish City Council has approved a 6 percent utility tax, a crucial measure to sustain essential city services like community events and lifeguards. This decision comes in light of a persistent structural budget imbalance that the city has been addressing since 2023. A community-led Fiscal Sustainability Taskforce recommended the tax after advocating for $1 million in budget reductions. Ultimately, the City Council successfully cut the General Fund budget by $8. 9 million during extensive discussions throughout 2024.

The utility tax will be implemented on January 1, 2026, and includes a $200 annual rebate for low-income households to alleviate the financial burden. This initiative underscores the city's commitment to fiscal responsibility while ensuring vital services remain intact. The city plans to conduct ongoing outreach to educate residents about the utility tax and the rebate program. This proactive approach reflects Sammamish's dedication to transparency and community engagement in financial matters.