Erdman: ‘The projected rate is $1.30 per $1,000 for city and district property owners, which is less than both are paying today’
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
I would like to correct information from a recent letter to the editor about the annexation between Fire District 3 and the city of Battle Ground to provide emergency services.
If voters approve the measure, city property owners would start paying a fire levy to Fire District 3 in 2021. The projected rate is $1.30 per $1,000 for city and district property owners, which is less than both are paying today.
This is a new levy for city property owners. To offset this cost, the city would reduce taxes on its utilities because this was the revenue source increased to fund public safety in the past.
Battle Ground has the lowest combined tax rate in the county. For many years, the City Council chose not to go out to voters for an increase to the general property tax levy. That is why we have arrived at the point of needing additional revenue to fund fire, police, streets and parks.  
Annexation means the quality and level of emergency services would be maintained for all families. Without annexation, the city cannot afford to maintain current service levels when the contract is renewed.
I encourage anyone with questions to contact me at (360) 342-5005, erin.erdman@cityofbg.org, or Fire Chief Scott Sorenson (360) 601-0349, scott@fire3.org. Thank you for your consideration. Â
Erin Erdman
Battle Ground City Manager
