The Nov. 12, 2025 Normandy Park City Council meeting tackled several significant topics, including a property tax rate increase, budget adjustments, and the return of a popular community event.

Despite concerns raised by a public commenter regarding the tax burden, the council unanimously approved a small property tax rate hike, with Mayor Eric Zimmerman defending the city’s financial efficiency. Councilmembers emphasized that the city receives only a fraction of homeowners’ total property tax payments, and expressed concern for income-restricted residents, highlighting available King County tax relief programs.

Additionally, the council approved substantial budget changes, while also looking ahead to the upcoming 13th annual Winterfest celebration.

Property Tax Increase Passes

The council unanimously passed a small increase to the property tax rate. This was after one public commenter complained about the potential rate hike, saying that Normandy Park had one of the highest tax rates in the state. Mayor Eric Zimmerman later said that Normandy Park had one of the leanest operating budgets in the state.

The consensus among councilmembers was that the city does a lot with a very small budget, while agreeing that property taxes are already too high. Councilmember Jack Lamanna pointed out that the majority of tax increases are passed by regional and county ballot initiatives. The city only receives around 12% of total property tax paid by Normandy Park homeowners; the rest goes to schools, emergency services, and other regional entities.

The council shared concerns for the tax burden on older and income-restricted residents, and discussed a program through King County that provides a tax break for income qualified residents. Senior tax exemptions can be applied for on the King County Tax Assessor’s webpage, at the above link. The maximum household income to qualify is $84,000, and the minimum age is 61.

Budget Adjustments

The council approved several adjustments to the 2025-2026 budget. This included moving over $200,000 to the street fund for erecting guard rails and other road maintenance, as well as $8,000 for building repair. Councilmember Jack Lamanna pointed out that many of these expenditures had already been approved as they came up throughout the year, and these adjustments are just budgetary housekeeping.

One potential large expense is $325,000 for a replacement Vactor truck. This is a heavy-duty, industrial vehicle that is used for cleaning out underground infrastructure and keeping storm drains clear. The city currently owns–and recently spent $50,000 repairing–a Vactor truck that is at the end of its service life.

Public Works Director Ken Courter said the city could theoretically rent a Vactor truck instead of owning one. However, the fees for after-hours rentals and use during emergency situations would be high. This equipment is required for maintaining the city. However, Courter did say that the majority of the cost for purchasing a replacement would be funded by grants, and the old one could be sold, offsetting the bulk of the purchase price.

These changes were unanimously approved for a second reading at the next council meeting. Staff mentioned that budget adjustments will be done at a minimum twice a year starting in 2026, so there won’t be as many adjustments at the end of the year.

Winterfest Returns

Councilmember Susan West shared that Normandy Park’s 13th annual Winterfest will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6. She mentioned that this celebration is put on by Friends of Normandy Park, in conjunction with many businesses and multiple non-profits. She added that there are various volunteer opportunities on the day, including before and after the event. See link for details on this free celebration.