City Council

City Hall Meeting Minutes 601 4th Avenue E Olympia, WA 98501 City Council Information: 360.753.8244 Tuesday, April 19, 2016 5:30 PM Council Chambers Study Session 1. ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Mayor Cheryl Selby, Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel Jones, Councilmember Jessica Bateman, Councilmember Clark Gilman, Councilmember Julie Hankins and Councilmember Jeannine Roe Excused: 1 - Councilmember Jim Cooper 2. BUSINESS ITEM 2.A 16-0508 City Revenue Option and Authority Mayor Selby introduced Hugh Spitzer. Mr. Spitzer is a public finance and municipal law attorney with Foster Pepper PLLC as well as Professor of Law at University of Washington School of Law. City Manager Steve Hall noted Mr. Spitzer was invited to discuss income tax initiatives and the statutory authority of cities to impose such a tax. Mr. Spitzer discussed his background working on policy and legislation around State income tax issues. He gave background on Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 35A.01.010 which addresses the statutory authority of cities regarding individual income tax. He noted code cities do not have the tools and powers of taxation. Mr. Spitzer discussed the current petition circulating that would create an ordinance to impose an income tax on households in Olympia that earn more than $200,000 per year. He shared background on the city of Bellingham, which attempted to implement a similar income tax, and the outcomes of the subsequent State Supreme Court cases. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions. The study session was completed. 3. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. City of Olympia Page 1