Kent · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kent public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Towing and storage fee review request
City Service and Bakers Service Center asked the city to raise the city's towing and storage fees. The city manager issued a temporary rate increase on October 5 while council works toward a final decision.
Cemetery worker pay raises
Standing Rock Cemetery staff will see cost-of-living raises effective June 1, 2026, with hourly rates between $14 and $22.50 depending on classification.
2025 Charter Review Commission Council action
Voters will be asked to lower the vote needed to suspend the rules and pass emergency measures from three-fourths to two-thirds, matching Robert's Rules — something council says would make special meetings easier.
Corporate money in politics and Citizens United
The annual charter-required hearing lets residents weigh in on whether corporate campaign spending is drowning out ordinary voters. Speakers pushed for a 28th Amendment overturning Citizens United.
Certifying unpaid city bills as property tax liens
Residents and property owners with unpaid utility, sidewalk repair, or code violation bills will see those debts added to their county property tax bills, with a county fee on top. Multiple notices go out first, and paying by August 31 keeps you off the list.
2027 Tax Budget and 2026 Appropriations Adjustments
Council advanced the year's second budget amendment — roughly $850,000 in increased appropriations — for approval.
2027 Tax Budget Adoption
Council adopted the city's tax budget for fiscal year 2027 and sent it to the county auditor — the annual paperwork that underpins city revenue.
City Staffing and Funding Gap
The city says it can't afford its current service levels without new money — police, fire, and paving all need more staff. The proposed fix: retire the 0.25% police-station tax and ask voters to reinstate it for operations, keeping resident tax bills flat. Council members also floated a non-resident income tax and questioned contract fees for fire service to neighboring townships.
Income Tax Extension Election
Kent voters will decide whether to extend and expand a portion of the city income tax starting January 1, 2027, to pay for police, fire and service department staffing plus quality-of-life projects and debt service. Council set up the election but held off on the implementing ordinance until voters speak.
Police Station Debt Retirement and Tax Replacement Proposal
Kent can pay off its police station debt 11 years early and wants to ask voters to swap the old 0.25% tax for a new unrestricted one funding three firefighters, three police officers, and year-round street paving. Ballot timing and legal details are still up in the air.
CDBG PY 2026 Annual Action Plan
About $265,000 in federal block grant money is recommended for Elm Street reconstruction, a furnace replacement program for low-income households, homeless shelter services, and fair housing help — final approval comes in May after a public comment period.
Standing Rock Cemetery Funding and Governance
Property owners in both Kent and Franklin Township will continue paying .60 mills to support Standing Rock Cemetery for tax year 2026. The resolution still needs more readings before it's final.
Position allocation change (executive session)
Council met privately on a personnel matter and approved a position allocation change that will be voted at the March 18 regular meeting.