Tonight the Lynnwood City Council will consider raising a series of taxes to help fill a nearly $22 million budget shortfall.

Mayor Don Gough has proposed a two percent increase in the utility tax (water, sewer and electricity). He said that would raise about $2 million and bring Lynnwood in line with neighboring cities such as Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds.

Council members will also decide on a  new business tax, called Revenue Regulatory License, which businesses would pay based on their size. That would generate about $3.5 million over two years.

They’ll also consider a one-tenth of one percent sales tax increase aimed at saving police and fire jobs. The sales tax hike, which would need to be approved by voters, would bring in about $2.6 million over two years.

A proposed property tax increase between 12 and 35 cents per $1,000 of assessed home value is also on the agenda.

Before the regular City Council meeting, the Transportation Benefit District Board will meet to hold a public hearing and possibly vote on a $20 car tab fee to pay for road projects.

Perennial initiative sponsor Tim Eyman, a Mukilteo resident, plans to speak out against Lynnwood’s proposed car tab fee tonight. In an e-mail to the City Council, Eyman said “your vote tonight to unilaterally increase car tabs is contrary to what the voters have consistently said.  Do the right thing — put any increase in car tabs on the ballot and let the voters decide.”