Camas resident Margaret Tweet shares her views on proposed Regional Fire Authority

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

Camas-Washougal voters should closely examine the higher costs of the proposed new TAX DISTRICT for a Regional Fire Authority (RFA). Not included in the voter’s guide or RFA city explanations is the recent news that the WA State Legislature is in the process of boosting the property TAX limit from 1% to 3% or more for state and local TAX DISTRICTS including Fire Districts, counties, cities, ports, schools and more. A new RFA TAX of $1.05 per thousand is proposed, in addition to existing EMS TAX and the Public Safety Bond TAX.

Camas & Washougal each passed a 6-year EMS TAX, to be collected by each city thru expiration. Camas EMS TAX is $ .46 per $1000 value. Washougal EMS TAX is $ .50 per $1000. Under the RFA plan, the EMS TAX would be renewed in 2030, perhaps at a higher rate, then paid to the RFA instead of the cities. The EMS TAX stays, now paid to cities, later paid to RFA, if it is formed.

Each city approved a Public Safety Bond for a fire station, engine(s) etc to be collected by cities thru expiration. In Camas a 20-year bond for a downtown fire station, fire engine and equipment starts in 2025 with a tax rate of~$.22 per $1000 property value. Washougal’s 28-year bond for a combined fire/police station starts in 2025 at rate of ~$.18 per $1000 value.

City websites explain plans to reduce tax levies in 2006 to partially offset the $1.05 RFA tax. Any reductions or additions to city property TAXES for 2006 would be made at the end of 2025 during budget discussions. Tax reductions or offsets in other years are not mentioned. The RFA TAX of $1.05 would continue every year if started, and could increase annually. With much higher property tax limits looming, up to 3% or more, that could significantly raise property taxes, and rents too.

An RFA is not required to maintain Fire and EMS services in our area.

”Residents overwhelmingly support the existing system, as demonstrated by a recent City of Camas survey showing exceptionally high satisfaction rates with current service levels.” – Concerned Taxpayers of Camas and Washougal For more information see Concerned Taxpayers website

Margaret Tweet
Camas

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