Proposals, debates, and legislation involving state and local taxation
The Washington Court of Appeals has upheld a tax ruling involving Seattle law firm Betts Patterson & Mines and the state Department of Revenue, reaffirming DOR’s position in a 2025 opinion.
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Washington’s proposed SB 6176 would allow cars with expired tabs to be impounded and could criminalize residents registering out-of-state to avoid fees, with significant potential impact for border communities like Longview and Kelso.
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John Curley warned that Washington’s high earners may flee the state over rising capital gains taxes, potentially crippling local nonprofits. Experts say the risk exists but the reality may be more nuanced, especially for small-town organizations in southwest Washington.
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Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill to move the gas tax vote to May, a development that could reshape the state’s response to ODOT’s $242 million budget gap and looming layoffs.
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Newly reported documents suggest the Interstate Bridge Replacement program’s real cost range may be far higher than the long-cited $5–$7.5B estimate, intensifying scrutiny over transparency and raising fresh stakes for tolling and regional transportation budgets that can ripple into Cowlitz County.
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Kelso City Council approved a motion to draft an ordinance for a 0.1% public safety sales tax, with debate over whether to seek a costly advisory vote and concerns about rising criminal-justice defense costs.
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Longview’s City Council for the 2026–2027 term includes three newly elected members—Chris Bryant, Mike Claxton, and Wayne Nichols—joining four returning councilors. Here’s who they are and what comes next as the council selects a mayor and faces major budget and infrastructure decisions.
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