The Kent City Council and Committee of the Whole convened on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, addressing key financial matters, approving a property tax levy increase, and advancing multiple infrastructure projects.
Highlights of the meeting included a positive financial report anticipating a revenue surplus, and the unanimous approval of a 1% property tax increase.
In addition, improvements to the Earthworks Park bus stop and the bid award for resurfacing South 212th Street were both approved.
Financial Report
During the Committee of the Whole, the council heard the monthly financial report. Staff anticipate that 2025 revenue will be $4,000,000 over budget. Revenue from school zone cameras continues to decline, however, while red light camera revenue has been increasing. In addition, expenditures are looking like they’ll be under budget, except for the police services.
Property Tax Levy
A 1% property tax increase was unanimously approved. This 1% increase over the prior year’s income tax is the maximum allowed by the state without voter approval. It was explained that city taxes for a median-value home will increase in 2026 to $635, from $617 in 2025. The cost in 2024 was $568.
It was also mentioned that the city only receives 11% of the total property tax that homeowners pay. Of the rest, 53% goes to schools, 10% to the fire district, 14% to the county, with the remainder split between libraries, emergency medical services, transit, and more.
Earthworks Park
King County Metro is working with the city to redesign the bus stop adjacent to Earthworks Park. This bus stop is up a steep slope from the park, and currently difficult to access from the park. The rebuild will include installing a retaining wall, with pedestrian access to the park from the bus stop. The city will reimburse Metro for 30% of the cost of the improvement, up to $184,000.
Resurfacing 212th Bid Awarded
Public Works Director Chad Bieren presented a bid for council approval to resurface South 212th Street, between 59th Ave South and 72nd Ave South. The project, which includes fixing broken sidewalks and installing ADA ramps, has been awarded federal grants for 86.5% of the $2.4 million cost.
Bieren also noted that 76th Avenue South is now open, after years of construction.
