Rates and Fees King County's shrinking tax base means that some modest fee increases are necessary to maintain current levels of service in our community. While these increases are necessary, they are below the rate of inflation and are user-based rather than broad tax increases. Solid Waste proposes a four year rate proposal that is below the rate of inflation and still protects the high quality services of this Division. The rate stabilization program is paid for in part by the significant cost reductions in the Solid Waste Division budget. Bus fares are held constant, with no increase in fares anticipated until 1998.
Marriage is still a bargain in King County.
Modest fee increases are proposed for parks and pools to help offset the general fund subsidy these services receive. To ensure safe handling of the food we eat, the Board of Health is raising food inspection fees to keep pace with changing national food safety standards. In light of continuing annexations and incorporations, King County can no longer rely on modest fee increases and a growing Fund to support services at the regional level or to areas of unincorporated King County. King County has entered into an agreement with its city partners and utility districts to create a regional finance strategy in keeping with countywide planning policies. We'll begin by developing consensus on the governance structure for the future and sorting out governmental finances to ensure that the service responsibilities of jurisdictions match the fiscal capacity to provide them.