The meeting was called to order by President Benincasa at 7:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL: Alan Andreani, Steve Okey, Warren Price, Roger Rhome, Sue Ryan and Larry Thompson present.

Motion and second to excuse Councilman Phillips due to illness. MOTION PASSED BY ACCLAMATION OF ALL MEMBERS.

Council Clerk Yost read the notice of the Special Meeting and noted its publication in the Alliance Review and posting on City Bulletin Boards.

Comments regarding the proposal of a 1% real estate transfer fee as proposed at the Town Hall Meeting by Councilman Andreani, followed by discussion and comments by Law Director Zumbar.

Comments by Councilman Andreani regarding other Fire Department structure changes such as EMS that might generate money and the study of data related to that followed by discussion by President Benincasa, Councilman Okey and Councilman Price.

Comments by Law Director Zumbar regarding increased court costs for officer time in court and billing mileage for City Police serving subpoenas.

Councilman Rhome brought up the reduction of income tax credit and stated that he has asked Law Director to amend to send the question to the voters at an election.

Discussion of a “Sin Tax” on drinks at liquor establishments and stated that the City of Kent is considering such a proposal. Further discussion by Law Director Zumbar on this issue.

Councilman Okey introduced a survey he intends to publish in the newspaper asking for public input on the financial situation. Discussion on the survey with suggestions was offered by President Benincasa, Councilman Rhome, Councilman Andreani, Councilman Thompson, Councilman Price and Safety Service Director Blaser.

Councilman Rhome requested an ordinance be prepared to place a ¼% income tax increase on the May 2007 ballot. Discussion was had by Councilman Okey, Councilman Ryan and Councilman Price.

Councilman Ryan suggested forming a committee of Councilman Okey, Councilman Andreani, Auditor Zumbar, and Director Blaser to research the dollars these proposals would produce and bring back to council to determine the best approach.

Motion and second to for a committee of Councilman Okey, Councilman Andreani, Auditor Zumbar, and Director Blaser to research the dollars the financial proposals would produce and bring back to council .

ADJOURNMENT: Noting no further business to come before this Council for the special workshop session , President Benincasa adjourned the workshop session at 7:48 P.M.

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