Letter: RFA Proposition 1 will mean more taxes, more debt, same leadership

Camas resident Gary Perman encourages others to vote NO on RFA Proposition 1 in Camas-Washougal

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

If you vote for the RFA, here’s what changes:

New taxing authority will take $1.05 per $1,000 of assessed home value—costing you $300-$1,000 per year.
They can raise taxes by 3% annually starting in 2026—without your vote. (new WA. Legislation)
Camas plans to borrow millions to loan to the RFA at below-market interest rates, costing taxpayers even more.

What doesn’t change?

Same firefighters, equipment, and leadership.
The new firehouse and EMS levy you’re already paying for aren’t included in the RFA.
The same city council that led the current business model will lead the new RFA.

Does this make financial sense?

No responsible financial advisor would recommend taking out a loan just to lend it to another person at below-market rates. Yet, that’s exactly what Camas plans to do.

Camas can’t afford to properly fund police equipment upgrades, according to the proponents of the defeated Utility tax increase in February, but they CAN afford to borrow money to subsidize a new taxing authority? This model doesn’t add up—and it’s the taxpayers who will foot the bill.

Vote NO on RFA Proposition 1 in Camas Washougal.

Gary Perman
Camas