| Pete's
E-News In this issue: |
Dear Neighbor:
As we welcome spring, I think it is easy for us to say goodbye to the cold winter months. Once again we were reminded of the importance of emergency and disaster preparedness, many of our friends and neighbors experienced flooding and damage from heavy snow fall. I know we all look forward to the sun’s reappearance and that feeling of warmth’s return to the Northwest!
This newsletter contains the answers to frequently asked questions my office has received over the past few months. Many of you are concerned about the safety of your property in the Green River Valley Basin; and in the weeks following the arrival of the property tax assessments, I have been contacted about how property tax assessments are made and how the appeals process works.
I believe listening is the beginning of understanding. This year I will be hosting a series of town halls throughout South King County with the intention of bringing county government to you; to listen and respond to your questions and concerns. These town halls are a conversation between you, your neighbors, me, and key representatives from county government so you can get informed responses.
Spring also marks the distribution of my Annual Farm Fresh Newsletter. This is your guide to local farms and farmers markets. Please email me or call my office if you are interested in receiving a copy of this publication at (206) 296-1007.
Thank you for subscribing to my e-newsletter. I understand that life is busy. My goal is to make obtaining information straightforward and accessible. As always if you have any questions or comments please feel free to give my office a call at (206) 296-1007 or email me at pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov.
With Best Wishes,
Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember
Community Forum Town Halls
|
You live and work in our community, and have first hand knowledge of our neighborhoods. If we all work together to address our concerns we will build a strong community for generations to come. Please join me at the following town hall community forms.
The next town hall is at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Todd Beamer High School (35999 16th Avenue South) in Federal Way. King County Sheriff Sue Rahr will be the guest speaker. This is an opportunity to have an open discussion about community safety and criminal justice issues.
On Wednesday May 20 at 6:00pm bring your questions and concerns about property taxes including how the assessment process works, and ways to properly appeal an assessment Guest speakers King County Deputy Assessor Rich Medved, Director of the Residential Appraisal Division of the Assessor’s office Debra Prins, and Barbara Alsheikh from the King County Tax Advisor’s office will be in attendance to provide answers to your questions. The town hall will be hosted at Saghalie Middle School (33914 19th Ave SW) in Federal Way.
Also, mark your calendars for Wednesday June 16th for the King County Council town hall at Auburn Riverside starting at 6:00pm. All members of the Council will be in attendance and the topic for discussion will be healthy initiatives.
I hope to see you at one of these meetings.
King County Flood District
|
In February 2009, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers announced that the storage capacity at the Howard Hanson Dam would be temporary restricted due to maintenance discoveries made during the January flooding.
While there is no immediate danger to people and property below the dam, an increased risk of flooding to the Green River Valley below the dam is possible in the event of a major rainstorm or significant snowmelt. King County and the King County Flood Control District in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are working to get the residents of the Green River Valley the information they need to prepare for such an event. An early warning system and coordinated regional response are key to protecting the Green River Valley residents and property.
Learn more: details and history about the dam
Information about flood insurance: www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans, or call 1-888-FLOOD29.
King County Flood District: Frequently Asked Questions (pdf, 69 KB)
Property Tax Statement Appeals Process
In February, property owners received a property tax statement. Revenue from property taxes makes up 13% of the King County budget and 10% of our state budget. While these taxes are an important source of funds to keep vital services flowing, they are sometimes assessed in a burdensome and unequal manner. Learn more about the appeals process (pdf, 123 KB) by reading the document developed by the tax ombudsman’s office.
Federal Way Eagles Boys Basketball Team Honored by the King County Council
Seattle Pacific University Lady Falcons Soccer Team Honored by the King County Council
Dick Brugger Honored at AYR Valentine's Day Breakfast
Regional nonprofit leaders join von Reichbauer to discuss ways to weather the economic storm
Federal Way Senior Center recognizes Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer as its first Honorary Lifetime Member
About my E-Newsletter
Click here to remove yourself from my e-Newsletter list.
Click here to subscribe to my e-Newsletter.
Please feel free to forward this e-Newsletter to your family and friends!
If you have any questions or comments, please email me at pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov or call my office at (206) 296-1007.
Phone:
(206) 296-1007 | Fax: (206) 296-0198 | TTY/TDD: (206) 296-1024 | Toll
Free: (800) 325-6165
Mailing Address: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200,
Seattle, WA 98104-3272