Incorporated in 1983 after its population nearly tripled over 10 years, Mill Creek's growing pains include higher taxes, traffic congestion, a slight rise in crime and drug use among teenagers, and civic controversies such as a costly library expansion, a proposed group home, annexations and whether to allow satellite dishes in yards.
Taxes are a major issue.
Unlike other cities, Mill Creek has few other major businesses. Just last week, city officials held a public hearing on proposed utility and excise taxes designed to broaden the city's tax base. Residents have already seen increases in property taxes to pay for police, maintenance, parks and other services. People want the services, but they don't want to pay for it. It's a new problem for Mill Creek.