By Kevin Hanson, The Courier-Herald

Property tax rates for the coming year will stay at their current levels, it was decided by the Enumclaw City Council last week.

While adopting their 2004 operating budget, members of the council had the opportunity to leave the property tax rate where it now sits, or increase the rate slightly. Mayor John Wise had suggested the rate be bumped up by 1 percent, as allowed by state law, but the council objected. The 1 percent increase would have generated an additional $17,227 for the city.

In speaking against the proposal to increase the property tax rate, Councilman Mike Ennis stated his belief that "our budget is stable enough to absorb" any problems that might occur during the coming year. Councilman Jeff Beckwith agreed, noting that utility rates are already climbing for 2004, a factor that will impact residents' pocketbooks.

The City Council adopted a financial plan for 2004 that calls for expenditures of $30.7 million. The general expense fund, which accounts for most city operations, represents nearly $8 million of that total. Other large elements of the 2004 budget include: the city's natural gas operation, $4.1 million; the sewer utility, $3.4 million; water utility, almost $3.2 million; equipment rental fund, $2.4 million. The city plans on spending more than $600,000 to operate the fire department, almost $500,000 for emergency medical services and $415,000 to keep the swimming pool operating.

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@courierherald.com