HomeMy WebLinkAbout080226 email - Resolution to place contingency Levy Lift Proposition on the Nov ballotALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Commissioners,
Regarding agenda item “CONSENT RESOLUTION Levy Lid Lift.pdf” (Aug. 3, 2026, BoCC Agenda):
I see from the explanation provided that the Secretary of State’s election schedule has put the county in the awkward position of having to make a decision about the next election (November)
before the outcome of the current election can be known.
With that in mind, I approve of the idea of using a contingent resolution as proposed.
But, the question to ask yourselves is, “Why, if Prop 1 fails to pass this time, should one expect an identical proposition to pass in a subsequent election?”
There is a famous quote (misattributed to Albert Einstein): "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
I have previously explained in detail my concerns about the wording of Prop 1 and its supporting Resolution.
If Prop 1 fails to pass now, if you expect a retry to achieve a different result, I recommend that you change the proposed resolution as follows:
--------------------------
Current wording:
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is provide funding for all county- owned park facilities (including over 20 parks countywide, including campgrounds, day- use parks
and playgrounds, Memorial Field, and the Fairgrounds), recreation programs (including the countywide basketball, soccer, and related programs; Port Townsend Rec Center activities; and
4-H Youth Development), and community centers (facilities and programs in Brinnon, Quilcene, Tri-Area, Gardiner, and Port Townsend).
Section 3. Limitation on Use of Revenues. Revenue generated by this levy lid lift shall be used for the purpose stated in Section 2. In implementing this Resolution, Jefferson County
shall avoid using revenue from this resolution to fund programs at a level already funded by another revenue source.
--------------------------
Recommended wording:
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this resolution is to provide funding for the following county-owned facilities and programs:
1. The parks and facilities managed by county Public Works, including but not limited to campgrounds, day-use parks and playgrounds, and Memorial Field;
2. The recreation programs operated by county Public Works including the basketball, soccer, etc. and Port Townsend Rec Center activities;
3. The community centers’ facilities and programs in Brinnon, Quilcene, Tri-Area, Gardiner, and Port Townsend.
4. The county Fairgrounds;
5. 4-H Youth Development;
Section 3. Limitation on Use of Revenues.
In implementing this Resolution, Jefferson County shall use revenue generated by this levy lid lift only for the purposes stated in Section 2. The levy lift shall be listed as a separate
line item on property tax statements and the levy lift revenue shall be segregated from other county funds (e.g., the General Fund) to facilitate tracking of revenues and disbursements.
--------------------------
The language of the ballot measure and the “explanatory statement” will also have to be revised to refer to the new Resolution. I’ll leave that wordsmithing up to you and your legal
counsel.
I am recommending these changes to (a) provide taxpayers with clear information about how their tax dollars will – and will not – be spent and (b) to allow voters to make fully-informed
decisions about the proposed levy lift.
As is explained in the consent agenda item, the BoCC has until close of business August 4 to submit your November ballot measure to the Auditor. I recommend that you use the available
time wisely and craft a more palatable Resolution that might have a better chance of gaining voter approval.
Thank you,
Tom Thiersch