City’s sales tax revenue is down so far in 2012
May 8, 2012
Issaquah municipal government did not collect as much revenue January through March as it did during the same period a year ago, although planned developments could strengthen city finances.
In 2011, sales tax revenues increased almost 10 percent from 2010, but only due to sales tax on construction, mostly related to Swedish/Issaquah.
However, the city received about $6.1 million in revenue through March, down 6 percent — or $393,286 — from the same period a year ago. The figure includes sales tax revenue, building permits, grants and other funding sources.
The construction of Swedish/Issaquah bolstered the 2011 total.
Issaquah sales decline, state sales increase
May 8, 2012
Taxable retail sales in the state increased 3 percent to $103.8 billion in calendar year 2011, the state Department of Revenue reported April 27.
The 3 percent gain for 2011 compares to a 0.1 percent drop in overall sales in 2010. Overall sales dropped 11.2 percent in 2009 due to the recession.
In 2011, retail trade, a component of all taxable retail sales including retailers but excluding other industries, increased 3.5 percent from 2010 to $47.9 billion.
Construction dropped 1.7 percent last year, a smaller decline than the 12 percent drop in 2010. In addition, new and used auto sales climbed 8.3 percent last year, compared to a 2.8 percent gain in 2010.
In 2011, accommodations and food services rose 5.1 percent; apparel and accessories increased 5.5 percent; and sales of building materials, garden equipment and supplies declined 0.3 percent.
Sales of taxable retail sales in Issaquah amounted to $1.1 billion last year — down 2.61 percent from 2010.
King County recorded $40.4 billion in taxable retail sales last year — a 4.2 percent increase from the previous year. Overall retail trade in King County amounted to $16.7 billion — a 4.6 percent increase from 2010.
Ride safely and in style in a licensed limo
May 8, 2012
Springtime is prime time for limousine rentals, but before hiring a limousine or town car for a ride to the prom or a wedding, the state Department of Licensing reminds people to check to see if the company is licensed and legitimate.
Limousine operators in Washington must be licensed, carry sufficient liability insurance and undergo annual safety inspections by the Washington State Patrol. Chauffeurs must be at least 21, hold a valid driver’s license, complete a training course and pass a state patrol background check.
Check limousine companies’ licenses at the Department of Licensing website, www.dol.wa.gov/business/limousine.
“There are many quality limousine companies to choose from in Washington state, but you don’t want to be taken for a ride by an unlicensed limousine company,” Department of Licensing Director Alan Haight said in a statement. “Always check references and make sure the company is licensed before you hire them.”
Issaquah-based Costco earns high spot on Fortune 500
May 8, 2012
Issaquah-based Costco is No. 24 on the Fortune 500, the annual list of top companies in the United States compiled and published by the magazine.
The largest warehouse club chain on the planet sold about $89 billion in merchandise last year — including electronics, gasoline, rotisserie chickens and the bestselling product, toilet paper.
“Even as the economy slowly recovers, many shoppers are sticking to the thrifty habits they acquired over the past few years,” the magazine noted. “This spells good news for Costco.”
Fortune released the list May 7. Oil giant Exxon Mobil claimed the No. 1 spot. Costco rival Wal-Mart Stores came in at No. 2.
Costco, as the largest employer in Issaquah, employs about 2,700 people in corporate offices and at the flagship warehouse in Pickering Place.
The company headquarters relocated from Kirkland to Issaquah in 1996 — hence the Kirkland Signature name on store-brand products.
Nominate ‘green’ businesses, organizations for county honor
May 8, 2012
King County Solid Waste Division officials need nominees for the annual Best Workplaces for Waste Prevention and Recycling list.
The award spotlights businesses for strong recycling, reuse and waste-prevention efforts. The list, formed in 2007, recognizes the accomplishments of small and large businesses for conserving natural resources, as well as reducing the amount of recyclable materials headed to landfills.
The contest is open to businesses and organizations operating in King County outside Seattle. The deadline for entries is June 29. Apply at http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/garbage-recycling/best-workplaces.asp.
The criteria include waste reduction and recycling practices, such as using reusable or compostable dishware in kitchens, collecting batteries for recycling or setting all printers to default to double-sided printing.
Contact Program Manager Karen May at 206-296-4353 or karen.may@kingcounty.gov to learn more.
In 2011, Issaquah municipal government and the Issaquah School District, plus Issaquah businesses Pogacha, Outsource Marketing, Rowley Properties and Timber Ridge at Talus earned awards through the program.
Experts host workshop for businesses, nonprofits
May 8, 2012
Leaders of businesses and nonprofit organizations can learn how to gain a crucial edge in cause marketing, a growing market niche, at a local workshop May 22.
According to Cone’s 2010 Cause Evolution Study, 83 percent of Americans wish more of the products, services and retailers they use supported causes. (Cone Communications is a public relations and marketing company.)
In order to educate business and nonprofit leaders, business consultant Joni Kovarik and nonprofit consultant Jane Kuechle teamed up to offer the cause marketing workshop.
City adds Economic Vitality Commission, but could shrink other boards
May 1, 2012
City leaders appointed a group of civic-minded citizens to boards and commissions April 16, although the number of positions could shrink in the months ahead.
In a unanimous decision, City Council members appointed applicants to openings on 12 boards and commissions. The groups advise the council on issues related to the arts, cable TV, development, parks and, in more specialized realms, city cemetery operations and sister-city relationships.
The decision included the inaugural appointees to the municipal Economic Vitality Commission, a key piece in a renewed focus on attracting and retaining businesses.
Land near Lake Sammamish goes up for auction
May 1, 2012
The undeveloped land near Lake Sammamish approved for the Mallard Bay development is up for auction.
Several years ago, developers proposed the Mallard Bay complex for a site at Southeast 43rd Street and East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast. The site encompasses 13 acres across East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast from the Lake Sammamish State Park boat launch area.
Realty Marketing/Northwest is accepting sealed bids on the property until May 16. There is no minimum bid for the site. Find information about the auction at Realty Marketing/Northwest’s website, www.rmnw-auctions.com.
The undeveloped site is approved for construction of up to 255 units. Under the existing permit, the eventual developer is required to include some housing for senior citizens.
In July 2006, City Council members OK’d development on the site. The commercial site development permit is still in place, and the buyer can extend the permit. Earlier plans called for construction to start in mid-2007.
The site includes conceptual plans attached to any sale. The plans outline 167 units spread throughout four buildings on the property.
Washington health insurer issues refunds after overcharges
May 1, 2012
KPS Health Plans issued refunds to consumers after the top insurance regulator in the state said a billing error caused customers to be overcharged.
Officials said about 235 customers received bills at incorrect rates and, of the affected customers, 61 had the incorrect amount deducted from their bank accounts. Others received erroneous billing statements.
State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler requested the company issue refunds and notify customers about the problem. Officials at Bremerton-based KPS Health Plans plan to issue refunds and letters of apology immediately.
The company also agreed to pay for any insufficient funds charges incurred by customers as a result of overcharges.
Starting in mid-April, Kreidler’s office started to receive complaints from consumers about the overbilling.
City Council approves Issaquah Highlands land sale
May 1, 2012
City Council members agreed April 16 to sell land to homebuilder Polygon Homes, despite objections from local environmentalists.
The city earned $80,000 in the land sale — dollars earmarked for landscaping in Central Park and elsewhere, wetland programs and Park Pointe conservation.
The property is 14,693 square feet, or about the size of the Issaquah Library, in the Issaquah Highlands’ Forest Ridge subdivision. Polygon intends to use the land for residences.
The property is included in the complicated Park Pointe transfer of development rights. In exchange for preserving a forested Tiger Mountain site near Issaquah High School, officials agreed to open additional highlands land to development. The long process ended in March 2011.
Despite the conditions council members added to the agreement, leaders in the environmental community protested the decision.
David Kappler, Issaquah Alps Trails Club president and a former councilman, and Janet Wall, a longtime local environmentalist, urged the council to reconsider. Kappler raised safety concerns about a trail leading to the property.
The council approved the sale in a 5-1 decision. Councilman Paul Winterstein dissented. Councilman Joshua Schaer did not attend the meeting.
