HomeMy WebLinkAbout4763 Resolution - Opposition to State Income TaxResolution No.______ Opposition to State and Local Personal Income Taxes in Washington State - 1
RESOLUTION NO. ______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PASCO, WASHINGTON,
EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO STATE AND LOCAL PERSONAL INCOME
TAXES IN WASHINGTON STATE. .
WHEREAS, the City of Pasco is committed to fostering a strong local economy through
a stable, predictable, competitive tax environment that encourages investment, entrepreneurship,
family-wage employment, and long-term economic growth; and
WHEREAS, Washington State has historically relied upon a tax system consisting
primarily of sales, property, business and occupation, and excise taxes rather than a broad-based
personal income tax; and
WHEREAS, the Pasco City Council previously adopted Resolution No. 4150 in 2022
expressing its opposition to the authorization and imposition of a local income tax, reaffirming the
City's longstanding commitment to maintaining a favorable business climate;.
WHEREAS, during the 2026 Legislative Session, the Washington State Legislature
enacted legislation establishing a personal income tax on certain high-income individuals,
representing a significant change in the State's historic tax structure; and
WHEREAS, legislation has also been introduced in prior legislative sessions proposing to
authorize counties, cities, and towns to levy local personal income taxes under certain
circumstances; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes that expanding reliance on personal income taxes,
whether imposed by the State or authorized by local governments, may discourage private
investment, business expansion, workforce attraction, and long-term economic development
within communities such as Pasco; and
WHEREAS, the City Council remains committed to policies that promote economic
opportunities, encourage business retention and expansion, support workforce development, and
maintain a tax environment that provides certainty for residents, employers, and local
governments.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PASCO, WASHINGTON:
That the City of Pasco hereby reaffirms its longstanding opposition to state and local
personal income taxes in Washington State and affirms its support for a stable, predictable tax
environment that encourages economic opportunity, business investment, and long-term
community prosperity.
Resolution No.______ Opposition to State and Local Personal Income Taxes in Washington State - 2
Be It Further Resolved, that the City Council encourages the Washington State
Legislature to pursue tax policies that promote economic growth, preserve a competitive business
climate, and provide certainty and stability for residents, employers, and local governments.
Be It Further Resolved, that the City Manager is authorized and directed to forward
executed copies of this Resolution to the Governor of the State of Washington; members of the
Washington State Legislature representing the City of Pasco; the Association of Washington
Cities; the Washington State Association of Counties; and such other governmental organizations
as deemed appropriate.
Be It Further Resolved, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Pasco, Washington, on this 6th day of July, 2026.
Charles Grimm
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________ ___________________________
Ogden Murphy Wallace, PLLC
Gabriela Sanchez, City Clerk City Attorney