Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: PHSS - Public Health & Social Services

Directors' Update: TBD

Business Meeting: Oct. 28, 2019

Summary:

Demonstrates intent to allow Lewis County to withhold portion of State sales to use for the acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing or facilities providing supportive housing, [and] for the operations and maintenance costs of affordable or supportive housing.

Publications:

Cover Letter To: Jill Anderson: janderson@ci.chehalis.wa.us Rob Hill: rhill@cityofcentralia.com

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, in the 2019 Regular Session, the Washington State Legislature approved, and the Governor signed, Substitute House Bill 1406 (Chapter 338, Laws of 2019) (“SHB 1406”); and

WHEREAS, SHB 1406 authorizes the governing body of a city or county to impose a local sales and use tax for the acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing or facilities providing supportive housing, [and] for the operations and maintenance costs of affordable or supportive housing, and, if eligible, for providing rental assistance to tenants; and

WHEREAS, the tax will be credited against state sales taxes collected within Lewis County and, therefore, will not result in higher sales and use taxes within the County and will represent an additional source of funding to address housing needs in Lewis County; and

WHEREAS, the tax must be used to assist persons whose income is at or below sixty percent of the County median income; and

WHEREAS, Lewis County has a well-documented need for increased low-income housing as demonstrated by the more than 1,200 known persons who sought housing assistance in 2018 with  90% reporting an annual household incomes of $20,000 or less, 29% reporting chronic health conditions, 16% reporting a developmental disability, and 6% reporting veterans status; and

WHEREAS, the County has determined that imposing the sales and use tax to address this need will benefit its citizens; and

WHEREAS, in order for a city or county to impose the tax, within six months of the effective date of SHB 1406, or January 28, 2020, the governing body must adopt a resolution of intent to authorize the maximum capacity of the tax, and within twelve months of the effective date of SHB 1406, or July 28, 2020, must adopt legislation to authorize the maximum capacity of the tax; and

WHEREAS, this resolution constitutes the resolution of intent required by SHB 1406; and

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners] now desires to declare its intent to impose a local sales and use tax as authorized by SHB 1406 as set forth herein.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: 

Section 1.  Resolution of Intent. The Lewis County Board of County Commissioners declares its intent to adopt legislation to authorize the maximum capacity of the sales and use tax authorized by SHB 1406 within one year of the effective date of SHB 1406, or by July 28, 2020.

Section 2. Further Authority; Ratification.  All Lewis County officials, their agents, and representatives are hereby authorized and directed to undertake all action necessary or desirable from time to time to carry out the terms of, and complete the actions contemplated by, this resolution. All acts taken pursuant to the authority of this resolution but prior to its effective date are hereby ratified.

Section 3. Effective Date.  This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and adoption..

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 28th day of October, 2019.