205 W 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 02/17/2022 - The Kittitas County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a resolution in opposition to a local income tax sending a clear and consistent message to Washington State lawmakers and the Governor that imposing such a tax in Kittitas County would be harmful to both residents and the economy.
The Washington State Constitution establishes the framework for taxation in the state of Washington, including what shall be permitted as a tax. After the City of Seattle attempted to enact an income tax on certain individuals applicable within in its municipal boundaries, the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division I ruled in Kunath v. City of Seattle, 10 Wash. App. 2nd 205 (2019) that such a tax, when selectively applied, was unconstitutional and invalid. The Washington State Supreme Court denied the appeal of the Kunath case such that the ruling stands at this time which could leave the door open to a flat 1% income tax. Kittitas County is joining 23 other local governments to enact a ban on such income tax in response to this court of appeals ruling. Commissioner Brett Wachsmith states, "We do not need a state income tax in Washington State. For too long, our small businesses and private citizens have been negatively impacted by unnecessary state funding requests. We need to promote a healthy environment for our economy to thrive otherwise we will continue to see businesses move elsewhere.” “Our state government continues to enjoy a significant operating budget surplus, yet the vast majority of Washington families essentially took a pay cut last year under massive inflation. Instead of simply asking for more, it is time for this legislature and governor to do what county government does – sharpen their pencils and prioritize infrastructure and economic growth,” said Commissioner Cory Wright. “I am proud we are joining other local governments around this state to send a clear message that an income tax is not the answer and will only penalize Washington taxpayers and businesses.” Commissioner Laura Osiadacz added, "As a representative of the people it is my duty to ensure we are protecting our ability to live in a community where we can flourish. This tax would create an additional unnecessary tax that would not only hurt small businesses, but would essentially hurt our non-profits, booster clubs, and other organizations that rely heavily on the generous donations from small family businesses. The more government takes the fewer funds that are available to help our community. We are familiar with the term, death by a thousand cuts. This tax is just one more way to kill small businesses in rural communities." Washington State does not have a personal income tax because the constitution does not allow it. Such a tax would be a direct conflict with the high-value Kittitas County places on promoting economic development through the attraction and expansion of financially healthy, family-wage paying employers. Small businesses are the backbone of our local, regional, state, and national economy and it is imperative that Kittitas County not put unnecessary hurdles in the way of their success. The Board of Kittitas County Commissioners encourages all municipalities throughout Kittitas County to provide the same protection from the adoption of another onerous tax for their citizens.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
###
Contact: Carly Brettmann, Kittitas County Communications Director, carly.brettmann@co.kittitas.wa.us
