In a recent city council meeting, representatives from King County Water District 54 raised significant concerns regarding a proposed tax ordinance that could impose a heavier financial burden on their ratepayers compared to other local water and sewer districts. The district's spokesperson requested a delay in the ordinance's implementation, citing insufficient time for discussion after receiving the proposal just hours before the meeting.

The proposed ordinance aims to standardize tax rates across water users in the city, but Water District 54 argues that it would unfairly subject its customers to a 6% utility tax on gross income, which would generate significantly higher revenues than those paid by the High Line Water District and Midway Sewer under their existing franchise agreements. The district contends that this discrepancy would create inequity among residents and suggests that amending the current franchise agreement to include similar fees as those negotiated with other districts would be a more equitable solution.

Additionally, the spokesperson addressed comments made by Council Member Mahoney during a previous meeting, which claimed that King County lacked the infrastructure to support downtown economic development. The spokesperson refuted these claims, stating that the district has adequate capacity and modern infrastructure, including chlorination facilities and updated water mains, to meet current and future demands.

The Water District 54 representatives expressed their eagerness to engage in further discussions with city officials to clarify these issues and work towards a resolution that serves the best interests of all stakeholders involved.