Update: City Proposes New 3.4% Utility Tax, Rate Hikes to Balance Budget

The “typical” Mercer Island household could see an average annual increase of $96.24 in taxes and fees — not including a possible voter approved tax increase of $60.20 for the Fire Station/Truck levy.

Mercer Island Election Guide 2012

The candidates, voting information and issues that will be affecting Mercer Island.

Patch Is Collecting Questions for Obama and Romney During the Next Presidential Debate

If you have a question for the candidates, submit it in the comments section below and it could be asked during the televised Oct. 16 Town Hall Presidential Debate.

Road Crews Wrap up Summer Work on Mercer Island

Not all of Mercer Island's road work happened on Island Crest Way this summer. See the city map for locations of the city's road projects for 2012 - 2017.

Illegal Campsite With Smoldering Fire Discovered, Burn Ban Extended Again for Much of Washington

Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark: We are taking the unprecedented step of extending the burn ban and asking everyone to be patient and vigilant until we see some rain.

Island Crest Park Artificial Turf Will Be Ready for Baseball Season, Says City

Mercer Island City Council approved installation of an artificial turf infield at Island Crest Park designed to prevent rain-outs and paid for by a private-public partnership between baseball boosters and City Hall.

City Council: City Budget, Artificial Turf for Island Crest Park's Ballfield and More at Mercer Island City Council Live Blog

City Council will meet in council chambers inside City Hall for its regularly scheduled 7 p.m. meeting. Get the latest updates from the Mercer Island City Council Meeting by following this story.

Washington Driver License Fees Rise

The increases were passed by the 2012 Legislature.

City Seeks Youth, Senior Volunteers for Advisory Boards

Mercer Island City Council is seeking two local high school-aged freshman and a senior citizen to fill vacancies on several volunteer boards.

Happy National Coffee Day! Tell Us How You Take Your Cup

Cream? Sugar? Hazelnut? Pumpkin spice? Give a shout out to your favorite cup of joe, or favorite server.

City Wins $25,000 in PSE Green Power Community Challenge

A grant from Puget Sound Energy will pay for the installation of several solar panels on the roof of the Mercer Island Community & Event Center after a total of 650 local customers signed up for the Green Power Program.

Candidates Forum

It's National Voter Registration Day: Is Your Information Current?

In honor of National Voter Registration Day, we’re giving you all the information you need for how and where to register to vote and ensure the King County Elections office has your most current information.

Special Meeting w/ School District, Sustainability, City 'Dashboard' and More at Mercer Island City Council Live Blog

Get the latest updates from the Mercer Island City Council Meeting.

City, MISD to Participate in Statewide Earthquake Drill

The city and school district will take part in the 2012 ShakeOut Drill, the state’s largest earthquake drill on Oct. 18, 2012.

Drug Take Back Event September 29 at City Hall

Earlier this spring, the Mercer Island Police Department collected 140 pounds of unwanted or expired medications and drugs.

King County Sheriff's Race Heats Up at Rotary Luncheon

Results of two negative county performance audits this summer have revved up the race between John Urquhart and Steve Strachan for King County Sheriff.

City Re-Installs Pedestrian Islands at Island Crest Way Intersections

Pedestrian "refuge" islands at SE 46th and SE 48th streets and the mailbox drop-off loop on the 5200 block of Island Crest Way have been re-installed as road crews finish the city's largest summer road project.

City Becomes EPA Green Power Partner

The city dedicated $6,000 in 2012 to purchase 36.5 percent of its electricity needs from Puget Sound Energy's Green Energy program.

PSE, City Challenge Mercer Island Residents to 'Go Green'

The Puget Sound Energy-sponsored "Green Power Challenge" nears its goal of 625 participating homes. The private utility pledges to install a pilot-program solar array at the Community Center upon reaching the goal.

Poll: How Long Is Your Commute, Mercer Island?

WSDOT says more drivers saw red in 2011 than in 2009. Has your daily drive gotten longer? Tell us in the comments.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

VP Nominee Paul Ryan in Medina, Bellevue for Private Fundraisers Today

Paul Ryan's stops this afternoon to include a $1,000 per person reception, and then a $25,000 per person reception in Medina.

Outdoor Films Continue With 'Richard III' Sept. 15 at Luther Burbank Park

The Mercer Island Arts Council and Aljoya retirement community will sponsor screening the 1995 film adaptation of the Shakespearean play as part of its fall film series, starring Ian McKellen, Annette Bening, and Robert Downey, Jr.

Longtime Eastside Judge Worked to Serve Community On and Off the Bench

Judge Frank LaSalata died last weekend at the age of 60.

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Washington State

The state's Department of Health confirms two human cases in Washington — the first since 2010 — from Pierce and Yakima counties.

Did Local FAA in Renton Push Staff to Vote For Democrats? Read It Here & Tell Us What You Think

Read the letter and share your reaction in our comments section.

City-Sponsored Fall Recycling Event

School Reform Proponents Hold Town Hall Meeting on Education

Public Event: City Councilwoman Jane Brahm to Address League of Women Voters

Spring Recycling Collection Event

Hundreds Gather at Community Center for 'Giving From the Heart' (Photo Gallery)

The 8th annual fundraiser for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services drew about 500 attendees and raised over $50,000.

Ambulance Transport Fee Gets OK to Begin March 18

Mercer Island City Council approved the fee for BLS ambulance transport of $770 will last for one year and begin on March 18.

State Route 520 Bridge Toll Bills Introduced in State Legislature

Bills note overwhelming voter support for Initiative 1053, which required that fee increases require a majority vote of the legislature

Mercer Island City Council Approves $6M in 2011-12 Budget Cuts

Pool agreement also reached on Councilman Steve Litzow's final night on council, before he assumes his state senate seat in Olympia.

Rep. Dave Reichert Marks Pearl Harbor Day

Reichert, an Air Force Reserves veteran, serves on the Armed Services Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Washington Senate Race Brings Last Minute Push for Votes

U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Democrat, and Republican challenger Dino Rossi are neck and neck in close race.

State and Local Races Too Close to Call

Incumbents Patty Murray and Dave Reichert stake out narrow leads; State Sens. Rodney Tom and Randy Gordon trail opponents by a handful of votes.

Election Day: Your View of the 2010 General Election

Patch asked voters to comment on the 2010 General Election, and predictably got a variety of responses.

City Weighs Where to Cut $3M

The Mercer Island City Council tonight discusses how to handle operating funds for arts, Youth and Family Services; Council will reconvene Nov. 4 to discuss the impact of Intiatives 1100, 1105 and 1107 on the budget.