Letters
Say "No" to tax increase
Published on Wed, Aug 11, 2010Read More Letters
Dear Editor,
The city of Mukilteo is asking us for an increase in the EMS levy from 23 cents to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. That is more than double our current level.
It will give Mukilteo the dubious distinction of being the fourth (out of 21) highest property tax per average residence in Snohomish County, thus we'll pay more in dollars than 17 other cities.
Our politicians’ statements that we have one of the lowest rates is misleading and could be interpreted as deliberately deceptive. It is the total dollars you pay out that count – not the rate.
It’s just as deceptive as the city newsletter saying the current levy was 35 cents when it is currently 23 cents per $1,000 of home valuation.
The EMS levy is an emotional issue, and the city, I believe, plays on this. That makes it a form of deceit. On top of this, if we as citizens turn it down they plan on putting it on the ballot again in November at a lower rate, more in line with what we now pay.
Based on past experience, even if it fails in November you can bet they will continue to pursue it till it passes.
According to Scott James, finance director, he wants to “transition” the city from paying any EMS dollars from the general fund. Fine. If this levy passes, Mukilteo will receive a $1 million increase in tax revenue dedicated to EMS, thus reducing money the general fund now spends for EMS to zero.
So reduce our taxes to the general fund by that same amount. If you don’t, city, then you are asking us for a huge general fund tax increase under the guise of an EMS levy.
Now let’s look at some of the numbers they’re using. In the new EMS budget, they want a 5 percent increase every year for salaries/benefits and another 5 percent increase for “overhead,” a line item we’ve never had previously.
“Overhead” is a pretty general word, isn’t it? You can put a lot in there. And the Vehicle Replacement budget item triples beginning next year.
All this at a time when cities, businesses and individuals are facing salary freezes and cutbacks. Wouldn’t you like a guaranteed 5 percent increase right now for years to come?
On top of that, the city is asking us to make this a permanent levy. That’s “forever” as Rebecca Carr of the Beacon points out! Are we willing to trust any politician at any level of government with this leverage?
One should never give any political entity a permanent source of income.
Should I mention the new $200,000/year garbage tax the city imposed this year, which now appears on your garbage bill? Check your bill. And the recent budget review shows the general fund will have over $4.3 million in reserve at the end of this year.
What is the bottom line for you and me? If we approve this levy as they propose the average Mukilteo home ($417,300 per the county assessor) will pay $208.65 – just for this one item, in addition to all the other taxes we already pay.
Are you willing to take on this burden, especially in light of the present economic climate? I don’t know about you but our income is down and I venture to say yours is too.
It seems our city doesn’t care and thinks they have a better knowledge of our finances than we do. Let’s show them that it matters to us and to our families and refuse to be coerced. Vote “No” on the EMS levy.
Sherwood Sage
Mukilteo
The city of Mukilteo is asking us for an increase in the EMS levy from 23 cents to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. That is more than double our current level.
It will give Mukilteo the dubious distinction of being the fourth (out of 21) highest property tax per average residence in Snohomish County, thus we'll pay more in dollars than 17 other cities.
Our politicians’ statements that we have one of the lowest rates is misleading and could be interpreted as deliberately deceptive. It is the total dollars you pay out that count – not the rate.
It’s just as deceptive as the city newsletter saying the current levy was 35 cents when it is currently 23 cents per $1,000 of home valuation.
The EMS levy is an emotional issue, and the city, I believe, plays on this. That makes it a form of deceit. On top of this, if we as citizens turn it down they plan on putting it on the ballot again in November at a lower rate, more in line with what we now pay.
Based on past experience, even if it fails in November you can bet they will continue to pursue it till it passes.
According to Scott James, finance director, he wants to “transition” the city from paying any EMS dollars from the general fund. Fine. If this levy passes, Mukilteo will receive a $1 million increase in tax revenue dedicated to EMS, thus reducing money the general fund now spends for EMS to zero.
So reduce our taxes to the general fund by that same amount. If you don’t, city, then you are asking us for a huge general fund tax increase under the guise of an EMS levy.
Now let’s look at some of the numbers they’re using. In the new EMS budget, they want a 5 percent increase every year for salaries/benefits and another 5 percent increase for “overhead,” a line item we’ve never had previously.
“Overhead” is a pretty general word, isn’t it? You can put a lot in there. And the Vehicle Replacement budget item triples beginning next year.
All this at a time when cities, businesses and individuals are facing salary freezes and cutbacks. Wouldn’t you like a guaranteed 5 percent increase right now for years to come?
On top of that, the city is asking us to make this a permanent levy. That’s “forever” as Rebecca Carr of the Beacon points out! Are we willing to trust any politician at any level of government with this leverage?
One should never give any political entity a permanent source of income.
Should I mention the new $200,000/year garbage tax the city imposed this year, which now appears on your garbage bill? Check your bill. And the recent budget review shows the general fund will have over $4.3 million in reserve at the end of this year.
What is the bottom line for you and me? If we approve this levy as they propose the average Mukilteo home ($417,300 per the county assessor) will pay $208.65 – just for this one item, in addition to all the other taxes we already pay.
Are you willing to take on this burden, especially in light of the present economic climate? I don’t know about you but our income is down and I venture to say yours is too.
It seems our city doesn’t care and thinks they have a better knowledge of our finances than we do. Let’s show them that it matters to us and to our families and refuse to be coerced. Vote “No” on the EMS levy.
Sherwood Sage
Mukilteo