Washington Tax Rollback
Is Stalled in Court
Libraries in the state of Washington can ignore I-722, the initiative passed November 7 that rolls back property taxes to 1999 levels, according to the state Department of Revenue—at least for now. Thurston County Superior Court Judge Christine Pomeroy November 30 granted an injunction that bars enforcement of the measure in the nine cities and four counties that brought a lawsuit to halt it. The initiative was to have taken effect December 7, and could have a drastic effect on local library funding.
Revenue officials interpret the ruling as applying to the entire state. According to the December 5 Spokane Spokesman-Review, Revenue Director Fred Kiga said the injunction applies to anyone “acting in active concert or participation with” the parties to the lawsuit. “For us to fairly administer the property tax system, we believe we need to keep everyone on the same page,” he added.
But Makilteo businessman and sponsor of I-722 Tim Eyman retorted, “The Department of Revenue seems to be saying they’re able to change the law. That sounds like a banana republic to me.”
The Spokesman-Review reported that the next action in the case is scheduled for January 22, when both sides will submit opening briefs. The plaintiffs, which include King and Pierce counties and the cities of Seattle and Olympia, will argue that I-722 is unconstitutional.
Posted December 11, 2000.
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