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District 3 Island County Commissioner Kelly Emerson

 1 NE 7th Street - P.O. Box 5000  Coupeville, WA  98239

Ph. (360) 679-7354

e-mail:  k.emerson@co.island.wa.us

Commissioner's Meetings - First 3 Mondays at 10am

Fourth Monday at 2pm

Commissioner's Workshops - 1st, 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays at 9am

 Click here for meeting agenda information 

Taxes Continue to Mount     

It's that time of year again, when we get our annual tax statement from the County.  Some of you may have noticed an addition and some slight modifications to your bill.   

Yes, that's right, the new Clean Water Utility Fee has finally made its way onto the statements. That, however, is only one of the six increases that the County added to your share of the burden this year.

That burden, after all, is what it is all based on.  You see, the County is allowed by law to collect at least what it did the year before.  So even if nothing changed at all... no levy increases, no properties bought or sold, the decline in your property's value, (we have all seen about 25% decline) would not reduce your taxes at all.

The assessed value really only has to do with divvying up the individual burdens and determining the rate the County will need to charge.  A higher assessed value, means a lower rate.

Example:

County collects $20M from 1,000 identical homes, $20,000 each  

• The homes are valued at $500,000, the rate is .04 (500k x .04 = 20k) 
• The homes are valued at $250,000, the rate is .08 (250k x .08 = 20k)

So even though the home value declined by 50%, the homeowner still pays the County it's $20,000.  The County did have to double the rate in order to get their share.  (There in lies the reason Angie Homola runs around the County claiming fiscal restraint and government deprivation, due to our low rate.)

Now let's say things did change.  Let's say the County helped to take an over 600 acre parcel out of the tax roll, (2-1 vote, I opposed).  Well who do you suppose is going to make up that difference?  The County still gets the established amount even now with less taxpayers to collect it from.

Example:

County collects $25M

• (1) 600 acre lot pays $5M, 1,000 homes pay $20,000 each = $25M
• Lot restored to wilderness, 1,000 homes pay $25,000 each = $25M

(These are examples only and do not reflect any actual payments.)  

So back to the 6 levy increases.  Okay the Clean Water Utility was one. What were the rest?   

• 1% on Current Expense Levy
• 1% on Roads Levy
• 1% on Conservation Futures (fund used to restore wilderness, etc.)
• The increase on the Conservation District (I tried for middle ground)
• An increase on the Sno-Isle Libraries (we are fiduciary)   

With my middle ground offer on the Conservation District turned down, I voted NO on all six of these increases.   

So there you have it... the reason your taxes went up even though your property value went down.   

There are opportunities to reduce your taxes somewhat, but knowing I couldn't get there with this Board, I went in trying for middle ground.  I said, "let's just keep things as they are now and not increase on the people during this crisis."  I was voted down, 2-1.           

A workable moment      

While it's true that the vast majority of my time on this Board is spent either in opposition or being opposed, I am always looking for the opportunity to speak up for a good idea.  I got the chance this week.

We were discussing labor policy as it refers to inclement weather.  Closing the offices in the past drew an onslaught of fire from the unionized Sheriff's Guild. For some citizens, a snow day at work is an opportunity to get to the County offices during the business hours.  So while the need to stay open is critical, the avenue which allowed employees to take the day off, if necessary, needed to be clearer.  Kudos to Helen for wanting to get this process on paper.

Kudos to Angie as well for wanting to be sure it was not only clear to future Commissioners, but that it was also clear to staff.  I picked up on her intentions and chimed in to help her make her point to staff.  During the initial hiring process, employees should be made aware that they will be required to use comp or accrual time should they choose to take a "snow day."

It was a worthy endeavor, that exceeded its expectations---and quickly, thus a few and far between good use of taxpayer time by the Commissioner Board.          

Participatory Local Government?        

Would you like the opportunity for Initiatives and Referendums at the County level?  I would.  The State allows some "code cities" that right with RCW. 35A.11.080.  I think we should ask the Legislature to take a look at opening that up for Counties as well.

While I agree that a 4-year term is appropriate for a County Commissioner position, due to the large learning curve, some boards can do a lot of damage in 4 years.  The people need a way of stopping a bad law before it becomes so entrenched that the repeal process has to be delayed.

At least this way, even though you may not have the right to vote on new assessments, fees or taxing districts, you would have the right to petition for their removal.  Let me know what you think about it.              

The ability to self-govern     

"Remember that time is money." Ben Franklin

I have been indulging in a on-line class put on by Hillsdale College called, Constitution 101.  The class is free.  However, a $50 donation is appreciated to cover the cost for one.   

My husband and I decided to send them a little extra in hopes my counterparts on the Board would like to indulge as well.  I haven't heard whether or not they have joined us but I like to think the best.

The first class was absolutely incredible.  It gave an exquisite description, complete with exotic comparables,  of Our Founding Documents as "Works of Art."  It nearly left me breathless.

The second class delves further into the "soul" of our founding in the Declaration of Independence.  (There is a group meeting in South Whidbey to view the class together.  They haven't met on this class yet so I don't want to give too much away.)

One thing that our Founders understood clearly, was that the ability to self-govern relied heavily on a good moral fabric.  So I hope that we all use this christian holiday, whatever religion you are, to build on whatever foundation you have.

God Bless You and God Bless America,