King County Assessor Website Tries to Demystify Property Assessments

Assessor Lloyd Hara and his staff have worked hard to put a lot of information about the process of property valuation on their website.

Gay Marriage Bill Passes in House Despite Local Lawmakers' Opposition

The three lawmakers representing District 31 have all voted 'no' on Washington's same-sex marriage bill.

Enumclaw Property Values Continue Decline for 2012, Taxes Down Too

The average assessed value for city property owners in 2012 dropped 8.4 percent, and taxpayers on average would be paying about $75 less in property taxes this year.

Some Small Businesses Have Until Jan. 31 to Request Tax Filing Extension Due to Storm

Businesses that file quarterly or annually have until Jan. 31 to request the extension, said state Department of Revenue Director Brad Flaherty.

Property and Business Owners Encouraged to Submit Damage Reports from Winter Storm

A dedicated web page and call center open through January 31, 2012

Update: Curbside Pickup or Storm Debris Drop-off Service Available to Enumclaw Residents

The City of Enumclaw has established a drop-off site at the Enumclaw Expo Center for residents needing to dispose of unwanted pile of limbs and branches in their yard from last week's snow and ice storms.

Poll: What is the State of the U.S. Compared with a Year Ago?

Around King County, supporters of Pres. Barack Obama are holding State of the Union Address parties tomorrow night, Tuesday, Jan. 24, as a prelude to election activities.

King County Republican Caucuses Set for March 3

The King County Republican Central Committee will hold “pooled” precinct caucuses to lessen confusion over locations.

Enumclaw Mayor Liz Reynolds Declared State of Emergency in Weather Situation

The following is a message issued by Enumclaw Mayor Liz Reynolds.

WSDOT Explains Reason Behind SR 164 Speed Limit Reduction

A combination of crash history and a desire to post more uniform speeds spurred the department to lower the speed limit on State Route 164 from 55 mph to 50 mph last November.

Charter Schools, Teacher Evaluations Focus of Two Education Bills Sponsored by Dahlquist

State Rep. Cathy Dahlquist, a former Enumclaw School Board president, co-sponsors two education bills announced Thursday.

New Councilmembers Dickson, LaFleur Sworn In

The Enumclaw City Council's first meeting of 2012 was a short one but laid the ground work for what's to come in the new year.

First Enumclaw City Council Meeting of 2012 Tonight

Newly elected council members are sworn in at the first meeting of the new year tonight.

Local Leaders Weigh in on 'Basic Education' Court Decision

Enumclaw School District leaders express optimism that Thursday's Washington State Supreme Court decision upholding a lower court's finding that lawmakers are failing to fund basic education for the state's children will help alleviate some concerns over

Connect With Ecology: 'Tis the Season for E-Cycling

If you got a new gadget for Christmas, don't just trash the old one. The Department of Ecology has tips for what to do with it, along with other household safety advice.

New Congressional District Proposal Would Add Members to 8th District

Enumclaw would get new political neighbors including Wenatchee and Ellensburg, while a new 10th District would form.

State Route 164 Speed Limit Reduction Puzzles Some Drivers

Patch received several e-mails this past month asking for information about the seemingly sudden speed limit reduction on State Route 164 between Auburn and Enumclaw.

Outgoing Enumclaw City Councilman Rich Elfers Reflects On His 4 Years

Rich Elfers looks back on his time spent serving the people of Enumclaw.

New School Board for 2012 Sworn In, Outgoing Nickson Recognized for Contributions

Newly elected Tina McGann joined fellow board members in being sworn in for the new term as outgoing member Tim Nickson receives thanks and acknowledgements for his work at the last meeting of the Enumclaw School Board this year Monday night.

King County Warns of Apparent Email Scam

County’s e-commerce system is secure, says official, and investigators are looking into outside source of bogus emails.

Library Director Bob Baer Honored for 30 Years of Service

In the last meeting of the Enumclaw City Council Monday night, Mayor Liz Reynolds, Council and members of the audience gave Bob Baer a standing ovation for his dedication to the community, ahead of his retirement at the end of the year.

Visitor Center, Library Get Temporary Funding as Enumclaw Council Passes 2012 Budget

The Chamber of Commerce in running the Visitor Center will be funded through the first quarter of 2012 while the library is funded outside of the general fund ahead of a targeted April annexation vote.

Update: McGann Unofficial Winner after Recount for Enumclaw School Board Race

Monday's hand recount for the Position No. 4 race between Tina McGann and Dan L. Peterson gave McGann two additional votes; the canvassing board will rule on the unofficial results Friday before they are certified.

Enumclaw City Council Expected to Pass 2012 Budget Tonight

Questions regarding next year's funding for Enumclaw Youth and Family Services, Chamber of Commerce and Green River Community College are among those expected to be answered in the last meeting of the year.

Moody’s Restores King County “Stable” Bond Outlook, Reaffirms High Credit Rating

Decision by Moody’s protects county from potential federal government credit downgrade.

POLL: No Law Regarding Leaving a Child Home Alone

A couple of community members correctly pointed out that there is no law in Washington State regarding how old a child must be to be left home alone, but if something happens to an unsupervised child, the parents can be charged with child endangerment.

Washington State Department of Transportation Looking for Public Input

The state agency is looking for comments on both rural and special needs mobility programs as well as future transportation projects.

Sen. Pam Roach Awarded for Government Transparency Efforts

Senator Pam Roach was honored for her work toward government transparency by the Washington Coalition for Open Government.

Final Election Results Certified by King County, School Board Position Headed for Recount

The Enumclaw City Council welcomes newcomers Darrel Dickson and Chance LaFleur, while other council and school district incumbents went unchallenged. Position No. 4 in the school district, however, is headed for a hand recount.

Solid Waste Rates and Charges Going Up for 2012

Garbage collection rates will increase by 2 percent while yard waste collection goes up by 5 percent for 2012.

City Property Tax Decrease for 2012 Approved

The City Council unanimously voted to roll back city property taxes by 89 cents per $1,000 assessed value for next year while budget discussions continue.

Final Public Hearings for City Budget and Property Tax Levy Tonight

The Enumclaw City Council is holding two public hearings during tonight's meeting, so here's your chance to have your say.

King County Wants Input from Residents in Unincorporated Areas

A series of regional workshops will be held in the next few weeks in order for King County to gather input from residents in unincorporated parts of the county on the creation of commuity service area boundaries.

School District Could Lose All Levy Equalization Under Gregoire's Proposed 2012 Supplemental Budget

Enumclaw received $686,000 this year in state funds under Local Effort Assistance which supports property-poor districts in basic education funding.

City Gas Customers Can Look Forward to 5 Percent Decrease in Natural Gas Rates

Council approved 6-0 passing on savings to customers as the natural gas utility fund for 2012 would be able to maintain a fund balance in excess of minimum reserve requirements.

Council Extends Discussion of 2012 Property Tax Levy to Third Public Hearing

Council continues to weigh the funding of a much-needed police officer position against promised tax cuts for next year.

Public Can Weigh in on City Budget and Property Tax Levy Tonight

The Enumclaw City Council is holding two public hearings during tonight's meeting, so here's your chance to have your say.

Spencer Pitches Visitor Center Proposal but Chamber Doesn't Want to Vacate Building

The City Council heard a proposal by local business owner Tom Spencer to potentially take over the management of the Visitor Center at no cost to the city, but the Chamber of Commerce maintains it wants to keep its role -- it just needs help.

Ennis Accuses Mayor of Using Police to Strong-arm Council into Reneging on Tax Cut Promise

Council agreed to roll back property taxes by 89 cents per $1,000 last year to help lessen the tax effect of the fire annexation, said Mike Ennis, but now he says the city wants the governing body to go back on its word.

Last of Four Budget Workshops Tonight

The Enumclaw City Council is expected to wrap up discussions of the 2012 budget tonight, ahead of public hearings next Monday regarding both the budget itself and the property tax levy for next year.