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M120621 - to include Hearing Comment re: 2022-2023 Jefferson County Budget
¢50 N co G ti I 1 MINUTES Regular Meeting — December 6, 2021, 9:00 a.m. Jefferson County Courthouse—Commissioners' Chambers 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA CALL TO ORDER: As Chair Kate Dean had planned on only attending the first half of the meeting, Commissioner Greg Brotherton took on the role of Acting Chair. He called the meeting to order in the presence of Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour and Chair/Commissioner Kate Dean. All Commissioners participated in the meeting remotely. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following is a summary of comments made virtually by individuals in attendance at the meeting and reflect their personal opinions: • Comment regarding support of the JUMP! Playground. • Comment regarding support of the JUMP! Playground. • Comment urging the County to require at least one public comment period during all County meetings subject to the Open Public Meetings Act(OPMA). • Comment congratulating the JUMP! Playground, quotes from a book titled"The Real Anthony Fauci"and data that indicates cardiac arrests are at an all-time high since COVID-19 vaccinations have been implemented. • Comment regarding Dr. Berry's mandate regarding restaurants and bars and people losing their jobs for not getting the COVID-19 vaccination, and other information. • Comment regarding a local woman injured by the Pfizer vaccine and a Commissioner's response to that incident. • Comment regarding disagreement of other comments against the COVID-19 vaccination. The Commissioners addressed comments and concerns raised during the Public Comment Period as well as written comments received. Commissioner Eisenhour noted that Chair Dean has been appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to the Puget Sound Partnership(PSP) Leadership Council. APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Eisenhour moved to remove a proposed Resolution re: Establishing new salaries for the Commissioner (Consent Agenda Item No. 6), and approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner/Chair Dean seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. RESOLUTION NO. 71-21 re: HEARING NOTICE re: Fourth Quarter 2021 Budget Appropriations/Extensions; Various County Departments; Hearing scheduled for Monday, December 20, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA, Jefferson County Administrator 2. RESOLUTION NO. 72-21 re: In the Matter of Establishing the 2021 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket and Establish Deadlines for Legislative Action; Jefferson County Department of Community Development 1 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2021 3. RESOLUTION NO. 73-21 re: Certification of Special Taxing District Levies for Collection of Taxes in the Year 2022, Jefferson County Assessor's Office 4. RESOLUTION NO. 74-21 re: To add a County Project to the 2021 Annual Construction Program(ACP), Rick Tollefson Memorial Trail - Ball Field Connection, County Project No. 1801956, County Road No. 527109, Jefferson County Public Works 5. RESOLUTION NO. 75-21 re: In the Matter of Amending the 2021 and Adopting the 2022 & 2023 Salary Schedule for the FLSA and Union Exempt Management and Professional Employees 6. RESOLUTION NO. XX re: In the Matter of Establishing New Salaries for the Elected Jefferson County Commissioners (REMOVED and approved later in meeting) 7. RESOLUTION NO. 76-21 re: In the Matter of Establishing New Salaries for Certain Elected Officials of Jefferson County 8. RESOLUTION NO. 77-21 re: In the Matter of Combining the Vacation Leave Bank with the "Additional Non-Accruable Vacation Days" and Combining the PTO Leave Bank with the "Additional Non-Accruable PTO Days: for FLSA Exempt and Union Exempt Employees 9. RESOLUTION NO. 78-21 re: In the Matter of Amending Longevity Pay for FLSA Exempt and Union Exempt Employees 10. AGREEMENT and SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT re: Collective Bargaining and Trust Participation for Jefferson County Public Works and Central Service Employees; Term will be January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023; Jefferson County Human Resources; Teamsters Local No. 589 and Washington Teamsters Welfare Trust 11. AGREEMENT re: State Route (SR) 116 and Cedar Avenue Pedestrian-Bike Improvement Project, County Project No. 1802057, County Road No. 637109, WSDOT Project No. HLP- SR19(006); In the Bid Amount of$573,723.61; Jefferson County Public Works; InterWest Construction Inc. 12. AGREEMENT re: Control of Noxious Weeds; In the Amount not to Exceed $75,000 with $25,000 annually for 2022, 2023 and 2024; Jefferson County Extension, Washington State University (WSU); Jefferson County Public Utility District(PUD)No. 1 13. AGREEMENT re: Provide Early Intervention Services for Children—Birth to Three; In the Amount of$16,125; Jefferson County Public Health; Concerned Citizens 14. AGREEMENT,NO. WQ-20-195,Amendment No. 1 re: Hoh River Restoration and Management Master Plan Phase 1; Additional Amount of$16,088 for a Project Total of $211,503, Extend the Period of Performance and Add to the Scope of Work; Jefferson County Public Health;Natural Systems Design 15. AGREEMENT re: Conservation Futures Arlanda Project-Acquisition and Management of the Tarboo Creek Watershed Easement; In the Amount of$52,138; Jefferson County Public Health; Jefferson Land Trust 16. AGREEMENT re: Functional Family Therapy Programs; In the Amount of$54,624; Jefferson County Juvenile Services; Mark Farley, Optional Counseling Services 17. CANCELLATION NOTICE re: County Commissioner Regular Meeting; Scheduled for Monday, December 27, 2021 18. MINUTES re: Regular Meeting Minutes of November 15 and 22, 2021; Special Meeting Minutes of November 22, 2021 (WSAC Virtual Assembly) and Emergency Meeting Minutes of December 1, 2021 (Oil City Road, Ruby Creek Washout) 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2021 19. Payment of Jefferson County Vouchers/Warrants Dated November 22, 2021 Totaling $359,844.82 (Records of all claims submitted for payment along with vouchers approved and signed by the Board of Jefferson County Commissioners are retained by the Jefferson County Auditor and Public Works Department.) PROCLAMATION re: Parks and Recreation Volunteer Appreciation: Parks and Recreation Manager Matt Tyler and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board(PRAB) member Marianne Walters was present for discussion. Ms. Walters stated that at some point,they may request a Volunteer Coordinator position. Acting Chair Brotherton and Commissioner Eisenhour read the proclamation aloud. Commissioner/Chair Dean moved to approve the Proclamation as presented. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. WEEKLY UPDATE re: COVID-19: Public Health Officer Dr. Allison Berry provided information on the COVID-19 virus in Jefferson County and Emergency Management Director Willie Bence provided a situation report. HEARING re: Jefferson County 2022-2023 Biennial Budget: Interim County Administrator/Central Services Director Mark McCauley provided a presentation on the 2022-2023 Biennial Budget. He stated that initially, there was a Human Resources Clerk Hire position request, but he proposed making that a full-time position as Public Works Director/County Engineer Monte Reinders has agreed to fund half of that position. Treasurer Stacie Prada was present to discuss County investments. Acting Chair Brotherton opened the hearing for public testimony. Hearing no testimony, he closed the public hearing. Commissioner/Chair Dean moved to direct staff to create a final budget for approval next week which includes a full-time Human Resources position to be shared between Public Works and the General Fund. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. DISCUSSION re: HEARING NOTICE re: Consideration of Additional Exceptions re: Ordinance No. 05-1004-21 and 06-1011-21; Hearing Scheduled for Monday,December 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend,WA(Virtual Meeting): Clerk of the Board Carolyn Gallaway requested that the Commissioners review a hearing notice that had been originally planned for discussion during the Department of Community Development(DCD) Workshop in the afternoon session, due to publishing time constraints. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to schedule a public HEARING NOTICE for December 20, 2021 to repeal and replace Ordinance [No. 05-1004-21 and] 06-1011-21 at 11:00 a.m. with a new ordinance. Commissioner/Chair Dean seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. The hearing will be to consider additional exceptions to the aforementioned ordinances. HEARING re: Setting the 2022 Ad Valorem Tax Levies for Jefferson County Levy in 2021 and Collection in 2022: Assessor Jeff Chapman was present for the hearing and provided a presentation on the 2021 Ad Valorem Tax Levies for collection in 2022. Acting Chair Brotherton opened the hearing for public testimony. The following individual provided testimony: Deborah Pederson. Hearing no further testimony, Acting Chair Brotherton closed the public hearing. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 79-21 re: Increase in the Jefferson 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2021 County General Fund Levy for 2022 Taxes. Commissioner/Chair Dean seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 80-21 re: Increase for the Jefferson County Road Levy for 2022 Taxes. Commissioner/Chair Dean seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. movedapprove RESOLUTION NO. 81-21 re: Diversion of Road Levyfor Commissioner Eisenhour to app o e Traffic Law Enforcement for the 2022 General Fund Budget. Commissioner/Chair Dean seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 82-21 re: Increase for the Jefferson County Conservation Futures Tax Levy for 2022 Taxes. Commissioner/Chair Dean seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve a LETTER to the Assessor re: Setting 2022 Real and Personal Property Levy and Refund Amounts. Commissioner/Chair Dean seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. HEARING re: Review of Three Finalized Options for 2021 Redistricting: Commissioner Eisenhour and Central Services GIS Coordinator/Administrator Kevin Hitchcock reviewed the three finalized options for 2021 Redistricting and answered questions posed by the Board. Acting Chair Brotherton opened the hearing for public testimony. The following individual provided testimony: Deborah Pederson. Hearing no further testimony, he closed the oral and written portion of the hearing. After discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to open and extend the written testimony regarding redistricting through December 15, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Commissioner/Chair Dean seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. DISCUSSION re: Joint Oversight Board (JOB)2022 Request for Proposal(RFP) Recommendations: Affordable Housing Task Force Facilitator Lizanne Coker was present to review the 2022 JOB funding recommendations with the Board. After discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve the 2022 JOB funding recommendations for Affordable Housing and Homeless Housing. Commissioner/Chair Dean seconded the motion, which carried by a unanimous vote. the DISCUSSION re: In the Matter of Establishing New Salaries fort e Elected Jefferson County Commissioners (Consent Agenda Item No. 6): Earlier in the meeting, Acting Chair Brotherton requested removal of the proposed resolution that would raise salaries for the Commissioners. After a brief discussion, he noted that he agrees with moving forward. Commissioner/Chair Dean moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 83-21 re: Establishing New Salaries for the Elected Jefferson County Commissioners. Commissioner Eisenhour seconded the motion. After further discussion, Acting Chair Brotherton called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote. The meeting was recessed at 12:27 p.m. and reconvened at 1:31 p.m. with Acting Chair Brotherton and Commissioner Eisenhour present. 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2021 WORKSHOP re: DISCUSSION re: Considering Additional Exceptions re: Ordinance No. 05-1004-21 and 06-1011-21: Department of Community Development(DCD) Director Brent Butler, and Associate Planner Shannen Cartmel were present to review the proposed additional exceptions. The Commissioners notified Director Butler they had taken action during the morning session to approve the Hearing Notice. COMMISSIONERS' BRIEFING SESSION - Continued: The Commissioners and Interim County Administrator continued discussing recent meetings they attended and reviewed upcoming meetings. DISCUSSION re: 2022 Conservations Futures Program: Natural Resources Programs Manager Tami Pokorny and Conservation Futures Citizens Oversight Committee (CFCOC) Chair Joanne Pontrello were present to discuss the 2022 Conservation Futures program. After discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 84-21 re: Establishing a Conservation Futures Program Application Period, Setting an Estimated Amount of Conservation Futures Funds Available, and Approving Program Materials for Use in the 2022 Conservation Future Funding Cycle. Acting Chair Brotherton seconded the motion. The motion carried. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS: Letter of Support re: Duckabush Estuary: Acting Chair Brotherton reviewed a request for a letter in support of the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project(PSNER)'s request regarding their Federal Infrastructure funding application for the Duckabush Estuary. After discussion, Commissioner Eisenhour moved to sign a letter in support of the PSNER's funding application for the Duckabush River to enhance salmon habitat. Acting Chair Brotherton seconded the motion. The motion carried. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BRIEFING SESSION: Interim County Administrator/Central Services Director Mark McCauley reviewed the following with the Board. • Calendar Coordination NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT: Acting Chair Brotherton adjourned the meeting at 2:55 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOA OF COMMISSIONERS SEAL: Kat De. , Chair AT l kST: it, ;rot on, Member 6'21-11(1-, tLic Carolynallaway, CMC Heidi Eisenhour, Member Clerk of the Board 5 Consent Agenda Item Commissioners Office JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Adiel McKnight,Executive Assistant DATE: November 15, 2021 SUBJECT: HEARING NOTICE re: 2022-2023 Jefferson County Biennial Budget; Virtual Hearing Scheduled for Monday, December 6, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA (VIRTUAL) STATEMENT OF ISSUE: HEARING NOTICE re: 2022-2023 Jefferson County Biennial Budget; Virtual Hearing Scheduled for Monday, December 6, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA (VIRTUAL) ANALYSIS: The hearing notice will be advertised on November 17 and 24, 2021 in The Port Townsend Leader. The public hearing is scheduled for December 6, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. The Board will hear public testimony regarding all funds at that time. Written testimony on the proposed 2022-2023 Biennial Budget will be accepted until the close of the public hearing. FISCAL IMPACT: 2022-2023 Proposed Biennial Budget is Available at: https://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/WebLinkExternal/0/fol/3308377/Row l.aspx RECOMMENDATION: Approve HEARING NOTICE re: 2022-2023 Jefferson County Budget; Virtual Hearing Scheduled for Monday, December 6, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA (VIRTUAL) REVIEWED BY: ark McCain nterim County Administrator *Zs Please publish 2 times: November 17 and 24, 2021 Bill to Jefferson County Commissioners Non-departmental Fund PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing is scheduled by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners for MONDAY,December 6, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers, County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend,WA 98368 (NOTE: No In-Person Attendance Allowed(Per Jefferson County RESOLUTION No.45-21)), and said notice of said hearing be published in the official newspaper of Jefferson County, and that at said hearing any interested person may appear virtually and be heard for or against the 2022-2023 biennial budget including the General Fund, Public Works, Special Funds, and the Jefferson County Road Construction Program. The proposed 2022-2023 Biennial Budget is available for viewing on the County website at https://test.co Jefferson.wa.us/WebLinkExternal/0/fol/3308377/Rowl.aspx To participate/provide testimony, you will need to join the meeting by 10:30 a.m. To participate via Zoom, click on https://zoom.us/j/93777841705. To participate/provide testimony via telephone dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter access code: 937-7784-1705#by 10:30 a.m. To view this meeting live with no participation, go to www.co.jefferson.wa.us Follow the links under "Quick Links: Videos of Meetings: Today. " Access for the hearing impaired and others can be accommodated using Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6384. In addition, written testimony is also invited beginning on November 17, 2021 and ending on December 6, 2021 at the end of the Public Hearing, unless extended by the Board of County Commissioners. Written public testimony may be submitted by Email to: jeflboccaco jefferson.wa.us; or by Mail to: Jefferson County Commissioners' Office; PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Testimony must be received by the Board of County Commissioners by the end of the hearing public comment period. Approved and signed this 15th day of November, 2021. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Kate Dean, Chair JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners Mark McCauley, Interim County Administrator FROM: Heidi Eisenhour, Commissioner DATE: November 8, 2021 SUBJECT: HEARING NOTICE re: Review of three finalized options for 2021 Redistricting; Virtual Hearing Scheduled for Monday, December 6, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Redistricting is the process by which new congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn after the Federal census every ten years. As part of redistricting counties redraw Commissioner districts and precincts. We have been working on developing alternatives the past few months. The Virtual Public Hearing to review the three finalized options is scheduled for Monday, December 6, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. At their regular Monday meeting on December 20, Commissioners will adopt revised districts. December 31, 2021 is the deadline for jurisdictions that elect members of their governing body in 2022 to adopt updated commissioner districts. This applies to Jefferson County. ANALYSIS: Below is a timeline of our work on this issue to date. We have been adhering to the following State criteria for redistricting outlined by state law RCW 29A.76.010(4): (a) Each internal director, council, or commissioner district shall be as nearly equal in population as possible to each and every other such district comprising the municipal corporation, county, or special purpose district. (b) Each district shall be as compact as possible. (c) Each district shall consist of geographically contiguous area. (d) Population data may not be used for purposes of favoring or disfavoring any racial group or political party. (e) To the extent feasible and if not inconsistent with the basic enabling legislation for the municipal corporation, county, or district, the district boundaries shall coincide with existing recognized natural boundaries and shall, to the extent possible, preserve existing communities of related and mutual interest. Activities to date: July 8 Sent survey to junior and special districting to solicit their plans September 16 Quinn Grewell, Elections Coord., met with political party leaders to review process September 30 Final Census data was available, we undertook GIS work to develop five alternatives— addressing commissioner districts October 11 Commissioner Eisenhour briefed the BOCC at Monday Meeting re: redistricting process, public engagement, review 5 alternatives, select 3 for public review October Two public notices for Public Meeting with other elected were sent Posted 3 alternatives to website Work on and provide options for public comments at Oct 26 meeting October 26 Public Meeting -with BOCC, Port of PT& PUD Commissioners, review and discuss 3 alternatives After adoption of updated Commissioner district boundaries in December, the Jefferson County Auditor and GIS lead will work to balance precincts within the new district boundaries. The deadline for updated precincts is May 2, 2022. FISCAL IMPACT: N/A RECOMMENDATION: Review and sign the Hearing Notice on Redistricting. The Hearing is scheduled for Monday, December 6, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. via video meeting in the Commissioners' Chambers (VIRTUAL). The notice will be published in The Leader on November 10th and 17th, 2021. REVI EWED BY: a.K.A/6-2d: //Ay, Mark McCaule nterim County Administr, r Dat Please publish 2 times: November 10 and 17, 2021 Bill to Jefferson County Commissioners Non-departmental Fund PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGARDING REDISTRICTING; THE REVIEW OF THE THREE (3) OPTIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing is scheduled by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners for MONDAY,December 6, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers, County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (NOTE: No In-Person Attendance Allowed(Per Jefferson County RESOLUTION No.45-21)), and said notice of said hearing be published in the official newspaper of Jefferson County, and that at said hearing any interested person may appear virtually and be heard for or against the resolutions. To participate virtually, you will need to join the meeting by 11:30 a.m. To participate via Zoom, click on https://zoom.us/j/93777841705. To participate via telephone dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter access code: 937-7784-1705#by 11:30 a.m. To view this meeting live with no participation, or to view documents, go to www.co.jefferson.wa.us Follow the links under "Quick Links: Videos of Meetings: Today. "Access for the hearing impaired and others can be accommodated using Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6384. The public hearing is being held for the purpose of receiving public testimony on three options to set the 2021 Redistricting Boundaries. Jefferson County has prepared draft redistricting maps per the 2020 Census in accordance with RCW Chapters 29A.76 and 53.16. On December 13, 2021 as part of their Regular Meeting the Board of County Commissioners will review and potentially adopt the 2021 Redistricting Boundaries. The public may view the draft redistricting map proposals by visiting www.co.jefferson.wa.us; click on Latest News and follow the posting regarding this Hearing. In addition, written testimony is also invited beginning on November 8, 2021 and ending on December 6, 2021 at the end of the Public Hearing, unless extended by the Board of County Commissioners. Written public testimony may be submitted by Email to: jeffbocc@co jefferson.wa.us; or by Mail to: Jefferson County Commissioners' Office; PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368. To provide oral testimony, dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter access code: 937-7784-1705#by 11:30 a.m. so your call can be taken. Testimony must be received by the Board of County Commissioners by the end of the hearing public comment period. Approved and signed this 8th day of November, 2021. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Kate Dean, Chair jeffbocc From: Craig Durgan <durgan@olympus.net> Sent: Sunday, December 5, 2021 7:12 PM To: jeffbocc Cc: Aronn Wilke; Bruce &Jennifer Alexander; Carol Crosby; Charley Hough; Danille Turissini; David Brader; David Morris; Debra Haranczak; Diana Whiteman; Edel Sokol; Elva Leach; Gary Osterhout; Gene Farr;James Hodgson;Jodi Wilke;Jon Cooke; Lynn Hisey; Mark Fuller; Mark Rensi; Mary Lee Sondergard; Nick Weiss; Norma Leith; Paul Trimble; Robyn Middleton-Hirschel; Sherry Cooke; Tony Weller Subject: Re-districting ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Dear BOCC, I am commenting on the re-districting proposals, on of which you will be adopting. The Jefferson County Republican Party is in favor of Option 1 as it is the least disruptive of the three options. Option 2, while not as desirable would be acceptable as well. Option 3 is not desirable. This could be used as a definition of"Gerrymandering." Option 3 could very likely result in an appeal to Superior Court by someone. Best Regards, Craig Durgan Chairman Jefferson County Republican Party jeffbocc From: James Hodgson <jphodgson95@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, December 20, 2021 10:26 AM To: Craig Durgan Cc: jeffbocc; Aronn Wilke; Bruce &Jennifer Alexander; Carol Crosby; Charley Hough; Danille Turissini; David Brader; David Morris; Debra Haranczak; Diana Whiteman; Edel Sokol; Elva Leach; Gary Osterhout; Gene Farr; Jodi Wilke; Jon Cooke; Lynn Hisey; Mark Fuller; Mark Rensi; Mary Lee Sondergard; Nick Weiss; Norma Leith; Paul Trimble; Robyn Middleton-Hirschel; Sherry Cooke; Tony Weller Subject: Re: Re-districting ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Thank you! Jim Hodgson On Sun, Dec 5, 2021 at 7:13 PM Craig Durgan <durgan@olympus.net>wrote: Dear BOCC, I am commenting on the re-districting proposals, on of which you will be adopting. The Jefferson County Republican Party is in favor of Option 1 as it is the least disruptive of the three options. Option 2, while not as desirable would be acceptable as well. Option 3 is not desirable. This could be used as a definition of"Gerrymandering." Option 3 could very likely result in an appeal to Superior Court by someone. Best Regards, Craig Durgan Chairman Jefferson County Republican Party PO Box 457 Quilcene, WA 98376 1 Consent Agenda Item Commissioners Office JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Adiel McKnight, Executive Assistant DATE: November 22, 2021 SUBJECT: HEARING NOTICE re: Setting of Ad Valorem Tax Levies for 2022; Hearing Scheduled for Monday, December 6, 2021 at 11:15 a.m. in the Commissioner's Chambers STATEMENT OF ISSUE: HEARING NOTICE re: Setting of Ad Valorem Tax Levies for 2022 ANALYSIS: State law(RCW 84.55.120)requires that the Commissioners hold a public hearing on the 2022 Ad Valorem Tax Levies for levy in 2021 and collection in 2022. This public hearing was originally held on November 15, 2021 but was disrupted by a power outage. Public testimony taken on November 15, 2021 will be included as part of the new hearing scheduled for November 22, 2021. RECOMMENDATION: Approve HEARING NOTICE re: Setting of Ad Valorem Tax Levies for 2022; Hearing Scheduled for Monday, December 6, 2021 at 11:15 a.m. in the Commissioner's Chambers To view DRAFT documents please go to https://test.co.jefferson.wa.us/WebLinkExternal/0/fol/2695944/Row l.aspx REVIEWED BY: Mark McCauley, Interim County Administrator Date Please publish 2 times:November 24 and December 1, 2021 Bill to Jefferson County Commissioners Non-departmental Fund PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing is scheduled by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners for MONDAY,December 6, 2021 at 11:15 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers, County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (NOTE:No In-Person Attendance Allowed(Per Jefferson County RESOLUTION No. 45-21)), and said notice of said hearing be published in the official newspaper of Jefferson County,and that at said hearing any interested person may appear virtually and be heard for or against the resolutions.To view documents, go to https://test.co Jefferson.wa.us/WebLinkExternal/0/fol/2695944/Rowl.aspx To participate/provide testimony,you will need to join the meeting by 11:15 a.m. To participate via Zoom,click on https://zoom.us/j/93777841705. To participate/provide testimony via telephone dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter access code: 937-7784-1705#by 11:15 a.m. To view this meeting live with no participation, go to www.co.jefferson.wa.us Follow the links under "Quick Links: Videos of Meetings: Today."Access for the hearing impaired and others can be accommodated using Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6384. The public hearing is to consider the following: Proposed Resolutions setting the 2022 Ad Valorem Tax Levies for Jefferson County based on 2021 assessments for collection in 2022. Proposed Resolutions finding a substantial need to increase the property tax limit factor above the rate of inflation and adopt a limit factor of 101 percent for the 2022 tax year. This public hearing was originally held on November 15,2021 but was disrupted by a power outage. Public testimony taken on November 15,2021 will be included as part of the new hearing scheduled for November 22,2021. Proposed Tax Increase for 2021: (Pursuant to Chapter 84.55.120 RCW) The Board of County Commissioners has proposed increases of up to one percent(1%) in the County General Fund Tax Levy,the County Road District Tax Levy and the County Conservation Futures Tax Levy plus increases for all levies resulting from new construction, improvement to property, any increase in the assessed value of state-assessed property, and any refunds from the previous year. Proposed Diversion of Road Levy for Traffic Law Enforcement for 2022: The Board of County Commissioners is also considering a Resolution to continue a past practice of diverting$670,000 of the Road Levy for Traffic Law Enforcement within the General Fund. In addition,written testimony is also invited beginning on November 24, 2021 and ending on December 6,2021 at the end of the Public Hearing, unless extended by the Board of County Commissioners. Written public testimony may be submitted by Email to: jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us; or by Mail to: Jefferson County Commissioners' Office; PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Testimony must be received by the Board of County Commissioners by the end of the hearing public comment period. Approved and signed this 22nd day of November, 2021. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Kate Dean, Chair Please publish 2 times: November 3 and 10, 2021 Bill to Jefferson County Commissioners Non-departmental Fund PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing is scheduled by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners for MONDAY,November 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers, County Courthouse, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368 (NOTE:No In-Person Attendance Allowed(Per Jefferson County RESOLUTION No.45-21)), and said notice of said hearingbepublished in the official newspaper of Jefferson Count and that Y� at said hearing any interested person may appear virtually and be heard for or against the resolutions. To participate virtually, you will need to join the meeting by 11:00 a.m. To participate via Zoom, click on https://zoom.us/j/93777841705. To participate via telephone dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter access code: 937-7784-1705#by 11:00 a.m. To view this meeting live with no participation, or to view documents, go to www.co.jefferson.wa.us Follow the links under "Quick Links: Videos of Meetings: Today. " Access for the hearing impaired and others can be accommodated using Washington Relay Service at 1-800-833-6384. The public hearing is to consider the following: Proposed Resolutions setting the 2022 Ad Valorem Tax Levies for Jefferson County based on 2021 assessments for collection in 2022. Proposed Resolutions finding a substantial need to increase the property tax limit factor above the rate of inflation and adopt a limit factor of 101 percent for the 2022 tax year. Proposed Tax Increase for 2021: (Pursuant to Chapter 84.55.120 RCW) The Board of County Commissioners has proposed increases of up to one percent(1%) in the County General Fund Tax Levy,the County Road District Tax Levy and the County Conservation Futures Tax Levy plus increases for all levies resulting from new construction, improvement to property, any increase in the assessed value of state-assessed property, and any refunds from the previous year. Proposed Diversion of Road Levy for Traffic Law Enforcement for 2022: The Board of County Commissioners is also considering a Resolution to continue a past practice of diverting $720,000 of the Road Levy for Traffic Law Enforcement within the General Fund. In addition, written testimony is also invited beginning on November 1, 2021 and ending on November 15, 2021 at the end of the Public Hearing, unless extended by the Board of County Commissioners. Written public testimony may be submitted by Email to: jeffbocc@co jefferson.wa.us; or by Mail to: Jefferson County Commissioners' Office; PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368. To provide oral testimony, dial 1-253-215-8782 and enter access code: 937-7784-1705# by 11:00 a.m. so your call can be taken. Testimony must be received by the Board of County Commissioners by the end of the hearing public comment period. Approved and signed this 1st day of November, 2021. JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Kate Dean, Chair jeffbocc From: Craig Durgan <durgan@olympus.net> Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2021 9:15 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Ad Valorem (Property Tax) Increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Hello, This is public testimony regarding the meeting to be held on November 15 regarding raising property taxes. Last year the BOCC raised sales tax. Now this year you want to raise property taxes. This is when the county is also receiving a windfall Covid funding. I oppose raising the tax rate. You are already receiving more property tax revenue verses last year. People are struggling with a tax called Inflation. For the county to now raise property taxes on top of increasing sales tax and Inflation is an insult. I urge the BOCC to hold the line on any more tax increases. Sincerely, Craig Durgan 1 jeffbocc From: James Hodgson <jphodgson95@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2021 4:56 PM To: jeffbocc; Craig Durgan Subject: Increase in Property Tax Proposal. ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Commissioners, My wife and I have resided in Quilcene for over 30 years. The past 6 years we have seen extraordinary acceleration in our property taxes. Between the years of 2015 and 2020 we have seen property taxes climb from $4031.88 to $6136.96. That is an average of 11% per year increase. Also of note is the tax base in our area is shrinking primarily due to the removal of the homes along the Big Quilcene River by the Salmon Enhancement Project and placing those properties in trust outside the tax base. You say that the reason for this new increase is the arrival of inflation. Who is responsible for inflation? Not the everyday homeowner. It is the government printing too much money and the regulatory environment that imposes excessive costs on the would be property owner. My recommendation is that the county look at each department and see where each department can find ways to decrease their budgets by 10 percent. A good place to start is the Department of Community Development. The Taxpayer needs to see you tighten your belts. The days are over for larger budgets every year to ever increase the size of a bloated County Government. Jim and Marge Hodgson PO Box 457 Quilcene, WA 98376 1 jeffbocc From: cindydetering@aol.com Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2021 5:27 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: tax levy hearing 11/15 comment ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. To County Commissioners Property taxes are becoming a burden for homeowners. The taxes on my property went up 5% in this last year alone and the last 5 years since 2016, the property tax I pay has gone up by 30% I am wondering why this amount of revenue apparently is not enough to fund the general fund, the county road district and The Conservation Futures. The county needs more money? I am just one home owner. As the property values increase in this market, the county is getting a wind fall of revenue from the property owners. I live here and I want to live here. I do not plan on selling. Unfortunately, it may come down to it, if one cannot afford taxes vs living in their own home. Property owners have to pay for their own maintenance too. The county does not pay for that. The county will not pay for the roof that I will have to replace soon. Please do not raise the rate on the county taxes. Cindy Detering RN 25 Cook St. Port Townsend, WA 98368 1 jeffbocc From: anca hasson <pastrydesignbyanca@hotmail.com> Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2021 5:53 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Increase property taxes for 2021 ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. This proposal is ridiculous and outrageous considering what you have put us citizens through the last couple of years. Is this part of Biden's Utopia Built Back Better,you'll own nothing and you'll be happy??Are you trying to make it impossible for anyone to own a home anymore? You closed our businesses,you closed our schools,your democratic buddies in DC have created an inflation by spending, and more spending money we don't have and now you want to increase our property taxes in Jefferson country . Have you lost your mind??We have to pay more for gas,food, energy..yet my income has stagnated or even reduced in some instances. My family CANNOT afford this irresponsible proposal and this will cause us tremendous hardship. I oppose to this idea i000%, since you all are so good with numbers, I assume you get my drift.This would take money off my children's needs,their nutrition, clothing and all the things they need to thrive, but you don't care about that . You simply don't care,tyrants like you don't care,tyrants like you keep pushing until we the people own nothing!! No, no, and a big NO to this complete nonsense . Anca Sollars, resident of Port Hadlock. Sent from my iPhone 1 jeffbocc From: Carol Crosby <cjchorse2000@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2021 9:08 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: November 15 2021 Raising property taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I would like to put this comment into the public record of the BOCC Jefferson County's meeting on November 15, 2021, expressing my dismay and disappointment that you are considering raising our property taxes yet again. Over the past few years I have become alarmed at the leap in the amount I pay annually to cover property taxes. Last year I calculated the assessor's increase in my property value of about 10%, the previous year it went up over 20%, this year about 9%. The amount owed has grown from about $5300 in 2016 to a whopping $8006 this year. This will not be sustainable for me much longer. I am on a fixed income. Inflation is running rampant, and that income does not go as far as it did even 10 months ago. Is your reason for needing more money based on inflation? I am not responsible for the County's problem with inflation. I am struggling with it myself. And didn't you raise the sales tax rate last year? Perhaps you should consider cutting back on your own spending. Each department should present a plan to decrease their own budget before you punish the property owner who carries the burden of these increases on their back while the BOCC just demands more and more. Think about the people you represent, and realize that the pandemic and the rampant inflation have devastated many of your constituents. Now is not the time to impose higher taxes, but to rein in the high cost of government and wisely use your Covid funds. Carol Crosby i jeffbocc From: JANET POLLEY <polleywog@msn.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 12:40 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Raising taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. This seems to be entirely the wrong time to raise taxes in our county. People are having a difficult time affording costs here now. Many of the workmen and small business owners I depend on are already moving to less expensive counties. Soon you will have a county of wealthy retirees and no service providers for them to hire. Could you please make some cuts instead of raising taxes again?? Get Outlook for iOS 1 jeffbocc From: Walter Leach <wleach2@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 12:42 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. No new Taxes! Sent from my iPad 1 jeffbocc From: Gabrielle Guthrie <GabrielleGuthrie@outlook.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 12:54 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Don't raise property taxes! ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Many residents in this country are struggling from a poor economy, burdensome covid regulations, and no housing. Many locals are struggling just to hang onto what little we have left! Most of us feel completely abandoned by our local government that just seems unbelievably out of touch with the truth of people's lives here in Jeffco. I can't even imagine why anyone would think this was a good time to raise property taxes? So, "No." Don't do it. People are suffering enough already.This just puts even more of a burden on financially strapped people. Thanks! Gabrielle Guthrie 1 jeffbocc From: hotwingslynne1@aol.com Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 12:57 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Tax Increas ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I am writing to voice my opinion on the proposed property tax increase in Jefferson County. I strongly oppose this tax increase, particularly in light of all the challenges we, as citizens are currently facing, which include much higher costs for gasoline as well as propane, many people struggling to make ends meet as a result of the pandemic and loss of work, the preponderance of citizens who are retired and live on fixed incomes, increases in the cost of goods, including food. Thus, the timing is certainly inappropriate for the citizens of Jefferson County. I urge you to rethink, or disband with, the idea of yet another property tax increase. Yours truly, Lynne Stanko 1 jeffbocc From: shirley aquila <shirleyaquila@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 12:58 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you g p are not expecting them. Absolutely OPPOSED TO TAX INCREASE!!! NOMORE!!! i jeffbocc From: David Tarr <ddt220@cablespeed.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 1:06 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: property tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Due to the pandemic,we have been forced to endure higher prices for groceries,fuel and other essential commodities. We have tightened our belts considerably, and expect you, our ELECTED county commissioners,to do the same. NO PROPERTY TAX INCREASE'H David and Shirley Tarr 220 McMinn Road Port Townsend, WA 1 jeffbocc From: Reesa Rees <reesajrees@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 1:09 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Increase in Taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Dear Commissioners &To Whom it may concern, The last thing that the citizen's of Jefferson County need right now is an increase in their taxes, especially property taxes. We own 3 rental properties besides our residence and pay quite a bit in property taxes. We try to keep our rental prices low because there is such a need in our area for affordable rentals. We hate to raise rents on our tenants because they are living bare to the bone now, but with an increase in property taxes, we will have to do so or sell the rentals. We have seriously considered selling them because of the Covid regulations placed on landlords. If you increase our property taxes that might be the last straw and we will probably sell them. That would be a real shame as there would be 4 more families competing for affordable housing. Sincerely, Reesa Rees 530 264-6442 1 jeffbocc From: coote@cablespeed.com Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 1:10 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Raising taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Imanypeoplein then and seniors We urge you NOT to raise any taxes at this time.These are difficult times for county, (such as ourselves)are having difficulty paying the taxes now! Lynne Teveliet Norman Coote 92 Mats View Terrace Port Ludlow,WA 98365 1 jeffbocc From: Teri Freitas <terifreitas@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 1:10 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: NO NEW OR HIGHER TAXES ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I oppose! Sent from my iPhone 1 jeffbocc From: Judy Caruso <jcaruso_ca@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 1:29 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: oppose property tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I do not support an increase in property taxes. I consider the property taxes that I pay to be excessive. I am a hospitality employee and am not in a high earner position. I just saved over time and have remained resourceful in order to pay on a mortgage for the house where I live. I will listen to the November 15 hearing on the evening of November 15. I will not be able to tune into the hearing while it is occurring. I wanted my viewpoint on record on this very important issue. -Judith Caruso 41 Vancouver Drive Port Townsend 1 jeffbocc From: Marie Harrison <mharizon@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 1:46 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. My property taxes have been increased every year for the past three years. I can not afford any more increases. Please do not raise my taxes. Esther Harrison 1 jeffbocc From: donna hixon <hjdj1999@hotmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 1:48 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. We are not in favor of increasing the tax. It is getting more and more difficult to pay for the necessary food and fuel.As seniors on a fixed income we have cut back as much as possible now. John and Donna Hixon Port Hadlock,Wa 1 jeffbocc From: Sharon Langaker <seadadwife@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 1:59 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Tax increase? ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. My husband and I are VERY OPPOSED to ANY increase in property taxes! ANY type of tax increase!! Because of Covid...everything is more expensive. And already a hardship for many. Sharon & Stan Langaker Port Ludlow Sent from my iPhone i jeffbocc From: Robert Scott <robscott4553@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 1:59 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: I Oppose Tax increase. ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I pay$io 000.00per year at � 15 White Rock Lane Port Ludlow, 98365 I paved my drive way taxes went up. I bought a prefab tool shed 6x8 and up it goes. I just retired 5 months ago and my entire Social Security pays house and property taxes only. But I get the county and country does not care. I'm paying for Government waste. Rob Scott 1 jeffbocc From: Bill Campbell <bcampbell3234@outlook.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 2:15 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I am not in favor of having my property taxes increased. I live on a fixed income. Between property evaluations and general price increases this will make it exceedingly hard to remain in my home. Bill 1 jeffbocc From: Katie Cyriax <cyriax.k.w@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 2:29 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I object-enough hard times now. 1 jeffbocc From: Carolyn Lake <carolynlake43@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 2:37 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: We want every who the person is responsible for talking about the tax increase to oppose it. We just paid over$700 for two gallons of furnace oil and that's devastating without adding anything on top of that. Please OPPOSE this tax increase. Thank you. Ed and Carolyn Lake 1 jeffbocc From: James Watson <dj.twinview@cablespeed.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 2:40 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. You have raised sales tax. Inflation is effectively taxing us at 6.5%.This is no time to burden us further. DO NOT RAISE PROPERTY TAXES. James J.Watson Sent from my iPhone 1 jeffbocc From: Caryl McLaughlin <cary14214@verizon.net> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 2:46 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: TAX INCREASE ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. County Commissioners- Please reconsider a new tax increase. Must people today are struggling due to many reasons among them the Covid Virus which has caused many to lose their jobs, food and gas prices are up. You certainly know as citizens of this area how everything is costing so much more. Thank you in advance for your willingness to not add another burden to us. Caryl McLaughlin 1 jeffbocc From: Linda Oen <outlook_FD5173A0761A974E@outlook.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 3:08 PM To: jeffbocc Cc: lindao43@embarqmail.com Subject: No tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. To the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners--- I am opposed to any new tax increases. Our residents are suffering from price increases in fuel, food, inflation etc. etc. Plus my property was reassessed this year for almost$100,000.00 more than in the last several years. I can not afford to pay double property taxes. Plus other tax increases--- Jefferson county has the oldest age population in the state. Do not do this to us. Sincerely, Linda Oen Quilcene 98376 Sent from Mail for Windows jeffbocc From: Victoria Hadley <vrhadley23@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 3:10 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Don't Raise Our Taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Dear Jefferson County Board of Commissioners', We oppose a tax increase. Please vote NO. Most residents in Jefferson County are already experiencing the financial effects of much higher fuel/gas, food and housing costs from record inflation. Can you imagine four years of this? Please rethink your decision before you vote. Ask yourselves who will we be hurting by this? As a reminder, last year the BOCC's increased the sales tax AND the revenues are already up over last year. Did you know that? Again, we are opposed to a tax increase. Sincerely, Victoria Hadley Port Ludlow, WA vrhadley23@gmail.com Sent from Mail for Windows 1 jeffbocc From: tharry@movinglink.com Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 3:11 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property Texas ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Please don't raise our property taxes. Thank you. Tom Harry 71 Highland green unit 3 Port Ludlow, Washington 98365 1 jeffbocc From: Gladys Heinzinger <dgheinz@olypen.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 3:39 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Proposed tax increasse ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Commissioners, please DO NOT vote to increase taxes at this time as revenue collection has been sufficient. I favor using the available taxes more efficiently. Thank you for your consideration. Gladys Heinzinger 360-385-9049 Sent from Mail for Windows 1 jeffbocc From: Craig Muma <craig2up@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 4:54 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: property tax increase consideration ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I am 70 years old on a fixed income and already getting killed by property tax. How could you possibly consider a tax rate increase in a year that property values have skyrocketed. Please don't tax us out of our home. All The Best, Craig Muma i jeffbocc From: BRODY TURNER <bcturner97@msn.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 4:59 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Tax ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Do not raise property taxes. My taxes have gone up from $1200 to over$2500.This has to stop. Sent from my Galaxy Tab®S2 Get Outlook for Android 1 jeffbocc From: Bianca Thayer <bkthayer@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 5:21 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Please, no property tax increase! ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Dear Commissioners, I oppose any rate increase for my property taxes.The assessment for my home has gone up significantly, so I will already be paying much more in 2022 without you raising the rates. Inflation is over 6 percent, and I am having difficulty making end meet now. I am recently retired and living on a fixed income. What is your justification for raising rates? Please consider the effect any increase will have on the majority of the citizens in Jefferson county. Food is going up, healthcare is going up, gas and propane have gone up significantly. I strongly request you do not increase taxes now. Cut projects and work with the funds you have. That is what makes sense for all. Best regards, Bianca Thayer Cape George Colony resident 1 jeffbocc From: Bruce Candioto <brucandi@cablespeed.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 5:35 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Dear Commissioners: I am alarmed at the prospect of increased taxes in Jefferson County. Every dollar of tax increases is one less dollar that my family and I have to spend on other things—including the current sacred cow of housing. Open your eyes, and tighten your belts. Bring back meaning to the term "public servant". And,yes, I am not happy with the recent bonus of one grand to every county employee for doing their jobs during Covid. How about the people in the private sector that did theirs? Are they less deserving? Bruce Candioto 1 jeffbocc From: Billie Foss <rbfoss2@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 5:57 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Pls things are going to be tough enough for all of us. Pls do not increase our property taxes. Give us a chance to put our lives back together with all the changes that have taken us all to a bad place. We need to breath! It is such a large chunk of change to pay out when so many of us are going to be hurting. Please - please no property taxes raise. Please hear the people. 1 jeffbocc From: Val Thurston <toteru@msn.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 6:03 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Not again!!Totally opposed to another property tax increase! Difficult enough trying to stay out of debt without you Commissioners adding to the problem!! Do what we"citizens"have to do—live within your current budget!! Sent from my iPhone i jeffbocc From: Marie Harrison <mharizon@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 6:47 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Senior citizens ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Please consider raising the senior citizen/disabled persons exemption on property taxes from $40,00o annual gross income to$50,00o to reflect today's incomes. Thank you Esther Harrison 1 jeffbocc From: Jacqueline Montgomery <jmontgomery777@msn.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 7:55 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. To our county commissioners; Definitely no on tax increases! Too many increases this year with gas, food, housing. Our parents live on a fixed income and (we already help them financially)they cannot afford anything more! They can hardly pay for groceries as it is! And now with the cost of heating oil (which has doubled from last year) going up again. It will take away from their other essentials. And they are not alone! Thank you for your consideration in this matter, Jacqueline Montgomery Get Outlook for iOS 1 jeffbocc From: Kathy Dickson <dandkdickson@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 8:47 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Re: diverting 720,000 dollars from roads from another use. ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. To the commissioners: As landowners/taxpayers on Oil City Road on the West End,we have questions about the diversion of 720 thousand dollars from Jefferson County Road Department,for another use.These questions are as follows: 1. For what exactly will the 720 thousand dollars be used.?Specifics please. 2. Is this a one time situation, or will you be continuing to use the roads budget to take up the slack? 3. Given that 720 thousand dollars is a very large sum of money,what are you taking away from the Road Department in regard to being able to respond to unexpected emergencies over the entire area of Jefferson County, including the West End? Please keep in mind there is more to the West End than the Upper Hoh Road and the Reservation Road/Hoh Reservation. Respectfully Submitted, Marjorie and David Dickson 9772 Oil City Road Forks, WA 98331 360 374 2553 1 jeffbocc From: MIKE ROGERS <rogersm45@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 9:15 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: PLEASE NO INCREASE IN TAXES!!! ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. With the pandemic, inflation, higher fuel prices, higher federal taxes, and shortages in our stores, we DO NOT need mores tax increases here at home!!! Please have mercy on us !!! Mike Rogers 1 jeffbocc From: Bill Jones <joneswilldv@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2021 11:45 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Oppose Tax Increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. To Jefferson County Board of Commissioners: I oppose any tax increase for Jefferson County-especially any property tax increases. It is befuddling as to why it is being proposed to increase property taxes at such a time as this when we are still very much recovering for the COVID lockdowns. Many people are still unemployed or underemployed. Inflation is at nearly a 40+year high not seen since the late 7o's and forecasted to get much higher in the coming months and years as our countries economy is coming apart at the seams. People already struggling to buy gas and food for their families are being hit with a huge inflation tax which is making it more so difficult to make ends meet. Property values have risen significantly and are are forecasted to increase upwards of 14%in the coming year. This alone should eventually provide more taxes to the county-and of course hurt struggling homeowners. Many of us are on fixed retirement incomes and cannot afford anymore taxes. Now is NOT the time to raise taxes!! Please do not forget that all elected officers work for we the people and we expect our voices to be honestly heard. Thank you for your consideration to not raise taxes. Respectfully, William A.Jones 1 jeffbocc From: Kathy Hill <kathyhill733@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 6:32 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Do not raise taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I am standing in opposition to'you'the elected country commissioners raising our property taxes again. My taxes went up 1z-13%last year. Look around. Young families already cannot afford to live in this town. Rents are outrageous. Kathy Hill Sent from my iPhone 1 jeffbocc From: Cheryl D. Petrick <cd4petrick@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 7:01 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Please do not increase our property taxes. My husband & I are retired on a fixed income, as are many in this county. With ample reserves on hand, why do you feel it's necessary to increase property taxes? The last 2 years has been very difficult on everyone...emotionally and financially. Please reconsider. We are being taxed out of our home. Cheryl Petrick t jeffbocc From: Ann Hueter <pibird130@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 7:08 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. DO NOT RAISE TAXES ANYMORE- ALL READY A HARD SHIP I! Ann Hueter 130 Colman Dr. P.T. 1 jeffbocc From: Molly Harlich <mollyharlich@hotmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 9:47 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. You think you have a homeless problem now? Just wait till you tax us seniors out of our homes!!! NO MORE TAXES11111 Martha Harlich 480 Pond Road Port Townsend 1 jeffbocc From: fames kerrigan <jameskerrigan00@yahoo.com> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 9:59 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Raising taxes on property. ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I cannot believe with this inflation that this committee would even consider raising taxes. I can assure you, with none of you will ever get my vote ever again. James kerrigan 1 jeffbocc From: John Harter <jharter007@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 10:39 AM To: jeffbocc ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Great! You feel the need to raise property taxes in this county, which I believe has the 2nd highest average age group in the state, meaning a lot of old people with limited income live here. Inflation is rampant, food costs are crazy, not to mention fuel costs and you butt heads want to add to the pain. My sole income is$989 per month from social security. That's it. I get by on my reverse mortgage. Think a little harder about what you are doing. John Harter @ 190 Baldwin Ln, Port Ludlow 1 jeffbocc From: annemcfarland12@comcast.net Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 12:19 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: NO increase in taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Please, please no increase in taxes. With inflation and prices going up for everyone, businesses that have had to close and so much more, please DO NOT increase property taxes! We did not vote you in to just get more money from us!!! Think of the common person, trying to get by, etc. Thank you for your consideration. Everyone has to budget and decide THE BEST WAY TO SPEND money. Sincerely, Anne and Steve McFarland Port Townsend i jeffbocc From: Charles Fauley <fauleyc@wavecable.com> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 2:18 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property Taxation ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I do not want you to support or vote to approve an increase in property taxation. Inflation has hit hard and everything is MORE expensive now. It would be incredibly obtuse to add to Citizens financial burden at this time. Please explain to me why this is now being considered. I look forward to hearing from you. Charles Sent from my iPhone 1 jeffbocc From: Thomas A Carey <tzcarey@embarqmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 2:50 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Please reconsider property tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. There are a very high percentage of people who live on a fixed income in Jefferson county. Most of them rely to one extent or another to Social Security. With a projected percentage increase of 5% for SS and an inflation rate of almost 7% these folks are already losing ground. This is an incredibly bad time to take even more money from them. Please rethink the idea of raising property taxes. Thank you for your time, Thomas Carey All Lives Matter 1 jeffbocc From: Jane Asbury <jane.asbury53@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 3:34 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: STOP! ...raising property taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Please vote "NO"on raising property taxes on November 15th! We have a serious problem of housing unaffordability and higher property taxes will further compound the problem. For those of us striving to"make do"on our retirement income with rising taxes, inflation,fuel costs and health care costs,we can ill afford the higher property taxes. Thank you for your careful consideration, Jane Asbury 36o-531-4453 Port Ludlow resident Sent from my iPad i jeffbocc From: Galmukoff Marine <boatfixx@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 4:49 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: On behalf of all our family members... ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Dear BOCC, We, who are property owners in Jefferson County, we encourage you to not raise our property taxes once again, which you did already this last year, and the year before that, etc. We encourage you all to read the article at the link provided. We read it, and it pretty much sums what we already knew, and none of us saw anything that could be seen as a falsehood. We have been employers here for over 30 years running, and when our $24.00 an hour bottom painter is in a panic about his rent being raised again, this his affects all of us. Their kids are in school, his wife volunteers in the community instead of finding a paying job, but now is facing having to go to work for a wage, taking her out of the volunteer work, or they move away. "Jefferson County has already received $3.129 million and will receive another$3. 129 million in May 2022. Furthermore, the county expects another$4 million over the next two years from Washington State revenue sharing of those federal funds starting in September, 2022" So please, at least for the next couple of years, how about letting the Blue Collar Workers, tiny business employers, and us over 65 folks off the hook on this property tax hike, O.K.!?! Click here: https://www.porttownsendfreepress.com/2021/11/13/county-commissioners-to- make-housing-even-more- unaffordable/?fbclid=lwAR2szogSzxcYyuvP1UrgjxnM2 UNSLsbOr0xAg8Vn3RzggUYYw6pHAjq eA With Respect. Mike Galmukoff, and our entire family and employees. Galmukoff Marine Inc. SHOP/TEXT i 360.301.4871 FIELD/TEXT 360.531.2270 www.galmukoffmarine.com P.O. Box 930 Port Hadlock, WA 98339 Reliable Local Service For 30 Years Factory Authorized- Cummins Service &Sales "If We Cannot Find A Way, We Will Make One..." 2 jeffbocc From: Jes and Drew <jesrew@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 5:10 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Please do not raise property taxes now ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. There is so much money coming in through the government at the moment from the top down, please do not pull from the bottom up. I really do not want to raise the rents of some units I manage. My renters have been through so much and have so much more to go through. None of us can afford this as the slight inflation must be adjusted to already. Please, at least hold off a year until this new inflation is normal for everyone. Next year is hopefully going to be an up year for this county and country. Jefferson County Resident (year-round) i jeffbocc From: Bill Eldridge <me@olympus.net> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 5:32 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Proposed TAX Increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Commissioners I urge you to rethink your proposed Property TAX increase. How can you justify doing it during these troubled times.That you have just acknowledged by your actions in giving every County Employee $s000.00 for there sacrifice, The Assessor has increased the value of my home (which I have lived in for over 5o years)for the year zozo by $53,090.0o and the adjoining lot by$5,763.00.That amount should more then cover my fair share of Taxes but no you want more. You talk about Affordable Housing and your solution is to raise Taxes. You confuse the issue of Affordable Housing with the issue of Homelessness and respond to the Homeless by spending our Tax dollars to provide a place for them.That action places the cost on Homeowners thus making Housing Affordability even more impossibility. As a Builder in Jefferson County I understand Affordable Housing and Sued the City of Port Townsend 20 years ago for not addressing it in the Comprehensive Plan to comply with the GMA. Unfortunately my Attorney and I did not prevail in my claim in front of the GMA hearing board. zo years later we find the City and County as it is today still no plan and wanting to raise Taxes on our Homes. Bill Eldridge 4th generation Jefferson County USCG Veteran January 1964- December 1967 Resident of Port Ludlow 1968 til Present Eldridge Homes Inc. President October 1969 til Present i jeffbocc From: Steve McFarland <steve_mcfarland@comcast.net> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 7:47 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. This is to inform you that as a Citizen of Jefferson County I am emphatically opposed to any and all tax increases. It is time for fiscal responsibility. Control your expenses, eliminate waste. Budget responsibly. Stephen E. McFarland 72 Sunset Blvd. Port Townsend, WA 98368 i jeffbocc From: Art Greenberg <artg21045@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2021 10:00 PM To: jeffbocc Cc: pat Hood Subject: Property Tax Increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Dear BOCC, I was already expecting an increase in my already high property tax bill since I received that white postcard telling me my property value has increased significantly. Now I hear that the rate itself will also be raised. A double whammy indeed. My wife and I arrived here 21 years ago and we hope to live here the rest of our lives—if we can. We are now in our seventies and live on fixed pensions. Our annual outgo for property tax is nearly $8000. I'm truly fearful of what 2022 and beyond will be like. I implore you to keep the already high tax rates at their present levels. Art Greenberg Patricia Hood-Greenberg 151 Porter Lane Port Townsend i jeffbocc From: Diana Sage <ds4diana@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 3:53 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property Taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I am not in favor of raising property taxes. In fact, I am shocked,outraged and ashamed of this organization even suggesting such a thing. How on earth can an intelligent, decent human being suggest adding more weight to the already heavy load people are now having to deal with? It is my understanding that we have more than enough money to run our government very comfortably, in fact,with plenty left over- I urge you to do the right, reasonable and responsible thing; help... do not hurt. Diana Sage Whiteman Sent from my iPad 1 jeffbocc From: Diana Sage <ds4diana@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 3:53 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property Taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I am not in favor of raising property taxes. In fact, I am shocked,outraged and ashamed of this organization even suggesting such a thing. How on earth can an intelligent, decent human being suggest adding more weight to the already heavy load people are now having to deal with? It is my understanding that we have more than enough money to run our government very comfortably, in fact,with plenty left over- I urge you to do the right, reasonable and responsible thing; help...do not hurt. Diana Sage Whiteman Sent from my iPad i jeffbocc From: Rick Rezinas <rezinasfamily@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 5:35 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property Tax Increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. What are you thinking?After two years of almost no county services you want to raise taxes? If there is a worthwhile project needing additional funds, take it to the voters like the schools,fire, EMT's, and libraries do. Float a bond! 1 jeffbocc From: Marianne Walters <pjandmariwalters@outlook.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 7:55 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Don't Increase Property Taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Enough is enough! You need to stop increasing the property tax burden on the backs of the real citizens of Jefferson County, and I don't mean the Uber rich who have flooded into the county the past two years from California and other unpleasant states, who have bought up every piece of available property at ridiculous prices. Think about how you are exacerbating the woeful housing shortage and focus on fixing that problem. Jefferson County is the second highest cost of living in the state- not something to be proud of! Marianne and Paul Walters 5th Generation Jefferson County Residents Get Outlook for iOS 1 jeffbocc From: Cherie Perry <havenwood1972@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 9:28 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: No increase in taxes . ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I am a 5o year resident of Jefferson County. Nearly 75 years old. On fixed income. I have to cut my expenditures to deal with Inflation and other limitations out of my control. I expect BOCC to do the same. Sincerely Cherie Perry. Sent from my iPhone i jeffbocc From: Mark Rose <mark@markrose.org> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 9:28 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Request Comment from Commissioners ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. November 14, 2021 TO Jefferson County Commissioners • I'm requesting full transparency on any fees owed by Statesman Group, and any arrangement the county is contemplating to satisfy remittance of those fees. • Is there a policy that allows deferral of fees to developers? • Are the Commissioners aware of the logging on Statesman property and the retroactive issuance of the DNR permit to log? • Are the Commissioners aware of any advancement of Statesman's resort plans? • Is it possible for the county to demand proof of Statesman's financial ability to pay its bills and build its resort? Thank you, Mark Rose Brinnon Mark Rose info@brinnoninfo.corn i jeffbocc From: Paul <paul@eisenhardtgroup.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 10:16 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property Tax Rate - Please Do Not Raise the Rate ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Commissioners, Please do not raise the rate on property taxes. Most residents are suffering from the effects of much higher fuel, food, and housing costs resulting from record levels of inflation. Our local businesses are also financially struggling from the impacts of very necessary and appropriate restrictions and mandates so we may all work together to combat Covid. Let's take a break from continued tax increases (last year it was the sales tax rate) and work together to identify and implement cost effective actions to gain additional leverage and positive impacts. Thank you. Paul Eisenhardt Port Townsend 1 jeffbocc From: Diana Sage <ds4diana@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 10:28 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property Taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I am not in favor of raising property taxes. In fact, I am shocked, outraged and ashamed of this organization even suggesting such a thing. How on earth can an intelligent, decent human being suggest adding more weight to the already heavy load people are now having to deal with? It is my understanding that we have more than enough money to run our government very comfortably, in fact,with plenty left over- I urge you to do the right, reasonable and responsible thing; help...do not hurt- Diana Sage Whiteman Precinct#706 PCO ds4diana®yahoo.com (36o)379-6800 Sent from my iPad 1 jeffbocc From: Chris Marrs <chrismarrs157@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 11:56 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property Tax Hike Attachments: Property Tax.pdf ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. 1 11-14-2021 To the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, When it comes to affordable housing you are taking out of both sides of your mouth. Adopting an energy code that increases the cost of building a house. Raising the sales tax. Oh just a little. Now voting on raising property taxes. MERCY I want to express my strong opposition to any hike in property taxes. As a resident of Jefferson County since 1979, I've watched as a funky, beautiful, affordable place has been sold by the so called visionaries le. Opportunists. They have succeeded in drawing the "Were All Here Because Were No All There" Crowd. They have brought there with them. Those of us that were here, made less money wise than we would have else where, but put up with it and figured out how to make it work. That is because it was worth it for the quality of life. It has sense become Dream City. Those who moved here put on Berets and Carhartts to fit in. They then wormed there way into politics to improve on things that worked for us. They cashed in elsewhere which was ruined and move here to share the dream. Their pockets were deeper than ours and the Realtors had a field day and continue to do so. The transplants wanted and you the county gave at our expense. Out of touch with the locals describe this best. Don't get me wrong, many who have moved here are great people and have put a lot of food on my table. The sales tax hike of .001% may not seem like much to you, but it all stacks up. Most of us did not receive bonuses like county employees. That money should be in a rainy day fund. Did those who sold us food get bonuses? The vast majority of us received little or nothing from a government that shut us down. The County is always crying poor. Like most government you are unable or willing to spend within your means. You adopt feel good policies that raise the cost of building, which in turn raises the value of the finished house which increases the amount of revenue you collect. Now you want more. This will make J.C. Even more expensive to live in. Get a grip. Our children that we raised here live else where, due to the lack of good jobs and the unaffordability of housing. I don't want to lose what my wife and I have spent 36 yrs building to those who live in an alternative reality. Tax's are not a problem when spent well. You never have enough. That is the excuse for the county road I live off of. The pot holes are filled not scraped out. They are than covered in mud and gravel. This is good for a couple of rains. We get mud slush thats sicks like snow in the winter. Major dust when its dry no matter how slow you drive. Your guys do the best they can with the instructions and the poor material they have been given and have to work with. If this were done right, It would cost more upfront , but would last longer in the long run thus saving the tax payers money and you needing less. This just a single example of which there are many. These are sorry times when you can have Zoom meeting instead of having to face the people you are supposed to work for. You will never have enough. Start learning to work with what you have. Live within your means, like the rest of us have to. NO Property Tax Hikeimiu mmmPm mTWW1 Sincerely, Christopher Marrs jeffbocc From: Laura Shisler <nlshisler@wavecable.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 12:10 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: NO NEW TAXES ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. We are opposed to increased property taxes as we are retired and live on a fixed income. Inflation is already over 30% and still going up. We cannot afford any more taxes! Norman and Laura shisler, 234 Greenview Lane, Port Ludlow,wa. 1 jeffbocc From: steve.moore.822@gmail.com Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 12:52 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Housing crisis ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Hello BOCC members, As you all may know, I have gotten involved in the housing crisis in Jefferson County—through HSN and through Bayside Housing and Services.As usual, this lovely grass-roots community is doing all it can to try to alleviate a problem—this time our housing crisis. Now it is your turn to do so.As written in the Free Press (a publication I often disagree with), raising property taxes yet again as we continue to struggle with the pandemic,with inflation, and with stagnant wages, is just wrong. I would think that finding creative and effective solutions to our housing crisis would be Job 1 for our BOCC— but that appears not to be the case, which is disappointing. Please do not increase, yet again,the property tax levee and further challenge those who somehow can own property or rent in Jefferson County.Thank you, Steve Moore 2904 Jackman Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 1 jeffbocc From: Pat Durbin <Durbin.Pat@outlook.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 1:14 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Proposed Property Tax Increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Gentlemen: How can you even begin to consider another property tax increase when the entire country is suffering unprecedented inflation and rising costs of everything. You talk a good talk about affordable housing, but this will be counter-productive to that by making not only home ownership further out of reach, but force rising rental costs as landlords raise rents to cope with the already outrageous burden of being re-evaluated every single year. Consider what you are doing to the community as a whole and to landowners in particular. It's already impossible for young people who grew up here to own property and this will only make it worse. Please discard any notion of raising property taxes. I would be delighted to participate via the internet in your meeting on Monday, but I would only be repeating what I'm sure everyone who tunes in is going to say. Consider me there in spirit with a loud NO to raising the ad valorem tax. Pat Durbin Port Townsend 1 jeffbocc From: Carol Crosby <cjchorse2000@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 1:33 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Higher Property Taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Marilyn J . Boettcher 184 Cougar Ridge Road Port Townsnend, WA November 14, 2021 Subject: Raising Property Taxes Life is difficult enough being as a recent widow and now you want to add to my misery along with so many others by raising our property Taxes. Property Taxes are almost as high as our mortgage, why? I am beginning to panic as to how can I pay for the high cost of Insurance, Food, Vehicle Gas, Utilities, Higher 1 Property TAXES, etc, etc. My Social Security is less, Medicare takes more out of it. Why can't you people work with the budget you already have and cut back, like we are forced to. Food bank is our only hope and most of the fresh foods, I wouln't feed my chickens - if I had any. Do not raise property TAXES . Marilyn Boettcher 2 jeffbocc From: Lynn Hisey <lhisey@earthlink.net> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 2:59 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: No Ad valorem tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Dear Jefferson County Commissioners, Please put me on record that I am STRONGLY in opposition to any increase in property taxes, especially at this time. You have been elected to represent us and any tax increase would be a non-partisan slap in the face to almost all of your constituents in this county at a time when we have been squeezed with higher tax assessments, higher food and fuel costs, and shipping costs which make everything more costly. We also have a Federal tax increases coming that will impact us all directly or indirectly through even higher inflation. I know at this time I am forced to curb my spending at the grocery store and everywhere as my fixed income buys less and less for my family. I suggesting that you, as our representatives, also curb your budgets and spending so as not to put a further hardship of Jefferson County residents. I will be on the Zoom call and watching to see if you all truly will represent your constituents. Sincerely, Linda D. Hisey Voter in District 2, Precinct 304. 1 jeffbocc From: RICHARD Meslang <richardmeslang@msn.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 3:48 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: My wife and I appose any tax increase given the rate of inflation negatively effecting those of us on retirement incomes. ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Rick and Maureen Meslang, Port Ludlow Sent from my iPhone 1 jeffbocc From: Phyllis Ballough <pballough@integraassociates.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 5:42 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: FW: Proposed tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. From: Phyllis Ballough [mailto:pballough@integraassociates.com] Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 5:41 PM To: 'jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us.' Subject: Proposed tax increase I am so dismayed to read that the Commissioners' are proposing yet another tax increase. I am an 81 year old widow, who choose to stay here after my husband died in 2008. I did so because I felt safe here.There was a sense of community and caring. I love the diversity and beauty and felt outweighed the convenience of moving back to Issaquah where we lived for 34 years and where I still own a business. I knew if I could continue to make occasional trips over and do most of my work via internet I would be able to support myself here and continue to live in the home my husband and I designed to live out our years. Since moving here in the year 2000, I have seen many changes.The rise and fall of the housing market but the meteoric of the past few years has surpassed what many of us could imagine. By the same token,taxes have raised as property values have increased. With the cost of living soaring it seems so uncaring for the Commissioners'to swoop in again raise taxes when they are benefiting so much from the rise in sales prices,and putting more of a burden on citizens who are trying to keep their homes, so that we too do not become part of the homeless problem you seem so determined to solve. I do ask you to reconsider your plans to vote to yes on this increase. If not I am sure there are many of us who will voice our opinions at the ballot box. I other than voting my conscience have not gotten involved in politics, I think it is time for all to pay more attention to what our elected officials stand for and who they are representing. Phyt U14. 3caoo-u. ' 81 South,R on.Dr Port To-w vise W a 98 3 6 8 1 jeffbocc From: Gene Farr <genefarr@cablespeed.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 8:36 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: NO increase in property taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. BOCC, Since the budget problem is all the doing of the BOCC, I object to calling for more taxes. If the County had not closed down most small business with overbearing Covid restrictions,the revenue would have been up. If the county had opened up the zoning for small more affordable units,the revenue base would have been up as there would be construction jobs and housing costs would be down. If the county had opened up the zoning to allow more business structure units,the revenue base would have been up as more higher paying jobs would be available. If the county had streamlined and simplified the construction regulations and permitting process,the revenue base would have been up. Fix all these problems and you will have more than enough revenue to run our county. J Eugene Farr PortTownsend 1 jeffbocc From: Daniel Svoboda <svobodaman6@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 14, 2021 8:40 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I am emailing to voice my opposition to the new proposed tax increase Sent from my iPhone i jeffbocc From: Pamela <saintives@comcast.net> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 7:32 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Please do not raise our property taxes! ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. To the BOCC As if the people haven't taken enough of of a beating over the past 20 months, now you want to kick us when we're down by raising our property taxes,again?? Really?With inflation and the cost of living increases,we cannot afford annual increases. Many of us are retired and living on fixed incomes, many are barely hanging on as they struggle to stay alive after having to close their businesses.The government overreach during a "pandemic"is astounding and shameful. Please do not raise our property taxes!! Sincerely, Pamela Thompson, retired homeowner and already too high tax payer i jeffbocc From: Paul <paul@eisenhardtgroup.com> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 9:00 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property Tax Incfrerase = Bad Idea ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Commissioners, Pleased do not raise property tax rates. Such actions increase the cost of property ownership which results in increased rentall costs for any property used in that manner as the increased costs must be covered by the rental charge. DFoing so increases the cost of housing and most dramatically impacts the lowest income renters. Paul & Elizabeth Eisenhardt Port Townsend 1 jeffbocc From: Thomas Bringham <thomas54bruce@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 10:05 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property tax ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I know that your first concern is to be elected and our second concern is to be re-elected. I would like to see you not raise taxes.You need to prioritize your spending just like a household budget.Thank You,Tom Bringham 1 jeffbocc From: JOHN GUSOSKEY <jongusosk@aol.com> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 10:16 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Increased taxes without a vote of the people. ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Your intention to increase property taxes in Jefferson county without a vote of the residents of Jefferson county is absolutely self serving and unproductive. You spend tax payer dollars on surveys which are unproductive and fruitless. When a survey shows that the voters of Jefferson county are against a tax increase,you disregard it. When property taxes go up, particularly when the increase is to fund projects to reduce homelessness, rents increase proportionately, further reducing the availability of low cost housing. When more than a MILLION dollars have been wasted on debacles such as the Cherry Street Project,why ever would the voters of this county believe that the property tax money will be wisely used. I understand that Cherry Street is a Port Townsend debacle. This makes no difference, because Port Townsend controls the board of county commissioners. John and Muriel Gusoskey 83 Wampum Point Rd. 360 434 0572 1 jeffbocc From: Jackie Canterbury <jackie.canterbury@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 10:18 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: 2022 Ad Valorem Tax Levy Attachments: 2022 Levy. Canterbury.docx ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Please accept these comments. Thank-you Jackie Canterbury 1640 E. Marrowstone Rd. Nordland, Washington 98358 jackie.canterbury@gmail.com 307-763-1953 1 jeffboccCa co.iefferson.wa.us TO: Jefferson County FR: Jackie Canterbury DA: Nov. 15, 2021 RE: PUBLIC HEARING: 2022 Ad Valorem Tax Levy and Proposed Tax Increase for 2021: (Pursuant to Chapter 84.55.120 RCW). The Board of County Commissioners has proposed increases of up to one percent (1%) in the County General Fund Tax Levy. Please accept these comments on behalf of myself regarding these tax increases. We are on a fixed income as are many people with Jefferson County. A tax increase of this kind may force us out of our homes. Considering rising inflation, this is not the time for such a substantial increase. Please consider other means of taxation, and do not penalize the middle class for owning a home. Thank-you, Jackie Canterbury 1640 E. Marrowstone Rd. Nordland, WA 98358 jeffbocc From: JRS <JSNorthW@aol.com> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 10:38 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Property tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I understand there is a proposal to increase our property taxes. Although on the face of it increases may seem to be a good thing for the county, there are downsides that can have longer consequences. Consider that there will be less money in the average household to spend and circulate in the local economy. It isn't much when you look at individual taxes, but collectively we have many tax increases including inflation. An additional tax is stifling to our economy and livelihood. Secondly, as Jefferson county begins to tax at higher rates it will become less attractive for development of first and second homes, retirement,and commercial interests. Thirdly,this will primarily affect the lower and middle class. Keeping taxes low will foster a environment that encourages more single family dwellings, more businesses, and a higher quality of life for all of us. Reconsider the proposed tax increase. Jim Stephens Port Ludlow,WA 1 jeffbocc From: Joe Bartlett <joe@mybartlettpair.com> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 10:42 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: NO TO TAX INCREASE ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I oppose a tax increase! Most residents are suffering from the effects of much higher fuel, food and housing costs from record inflation, as well as the effects of our local businesses harmed by the COVID lockdowns and mandates. Joe Bartlett Broker Better Properties Kitsap 360-774-6430 joe@mybartlettpair.com mybartlettpair.com Fraud Alert! I will never email you wiring instructions! Speak directly with your broker or escrow officer to confirm wire instructions PRIOR to wiring. Do not rely upon email communications. 1 jeffbocc From: Judith Heath <jheath@broadstripe.net> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 10:45 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Proposed Tax Increase for 2021: (Pursuant to Chapter 84.55.120 RCW) ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Commissioners: I am greatly concerned by the "Proposed Resolutions setting the 2022 Ad Valorem Tax Levies for Jefferson County based on 2021 assessments for collection in 2022." I do not object to the need or purpose of the tax increase, but I fail to understand, in general, why the burden of taxation in the County must continue to rest so heavily on property owners. Is there truly no other means of gathering revenue? Although I do believe in contributing my share toward the good of the community, I cannot help but wonder why such an unequal burden is placed upon property owners. Non-property owners and tourists also consume goods and services here in Port Townsend. Like myself, a substantial percentage of resident property owners here are seniors on limited income. Jefferson County had the highest share of the population age 65 and older in Washington state with 26.3% in 2010 and 37.9% in 2019. From censusreporter.orq Age t Margin of error is at least 10 percent of the total value.Take care with this statistic. 58.3Median age • about 1.5 times the figure in Washington: 37.7 • about 1.5 times the figure in United States: 38.1 0-9: 7%t • about three-fifths of the rate in Washington: 12% • about three-fifths of the rate in United States: 12% +Margin of error at least 10 percent of total value 1 Population by age range 0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 ;'0-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80+ Show data/1 mbed Population by age category 18 to 6452% • Under 18 • 18 to 64 • 65 and over Show data/Embed Is there no other way to raise funds besides taxing property owners? Sincerely, Judith Heath Port Townsend, WA 2 jeffbocc From: Lani Bartlett <lani@mybartlettpair.com> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 10:46 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: NO TO TAX INCREASE outsidethe organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated g p are not expecting them. I oppose a tax increase! Most residents are suffering from the effects of much higher fuel, food and housing costs from record inflation, as well as the effects of our local businesses harmed by the COVID lockdowns and mandates. Lani Bartlett, Broker Better Properties Kitsap 360-271-7033 lani@mybartlettpair.com 1 jeffbocc From: Anthony Weller <tony4bees@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 10:58 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: NO Increase In Our Property Taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. To : JEFFBOCC FROM Tony Weller November 15 , 2021 BOCC, I believe the entire budget problems are because of the BOCC systematically overtaxing business and property owners year after year . Overly strict and sometimes frivolous building permit applications and incredible long times to even get a permit has severely impacted Jefferson County for decades . It ' s not just a State problem; it ' s a Jefferson County problem that reduces tax revenue that the business community and employees contribute too also . There is not only no affordable housing available due to land use restrictions , potential employees have no affordable place to live if they have a job or are looking to hire on in Jefferson County . Low wages are outweighed by living far 1 away and commuting with the high and rising cost of fuel . With the overly restrictive Covid- 19 mandates being recently implemented, no science is being applied to natural immunity and other successful nonvaccination successful treatments proven to help Covid-19 patients to recover . The business community and their employees have either gone out of business or on unemployment , or moved away . With the current Covid- 19 mandate not allowing any unvaccinated potential customer inside a restaurant to dine will further choke our business community and reduce the tax base . Inflation has been 6 . 2 % a month and climbing . Low and fixed income residents are being hit the hardest and the BOCC wants to yet again raise the taxes on property owners , for what ? It really hurts us ! Our tax dollar return for County services does not even come close to what we put in . Many, if not most residents , but also including Port Townsend residents , have to travel far to shop for goods other than the local grocery stores . With the cost of food, fuel , utilities , and now proposed property taxes , do you all really think that will help? It never has . Encourage business growth, ease up on the ridiculous permit and extreme long waiting processes , get the homeless drug addicts off our fairgrounds , neighborhoods , and forests and get them treated and find them jobs , rather than allowing them to break into our homes . 2 REDUCE property taxes . Inflation is a tax . Right now all goods and services are taxes that are increasing every day . Services are sporadic and many goods are becoming inaccessible and unaffordable . Property taxes are not the solution ! Tony Weller Port Ludlow 3 jeffbocc From: ptf@olypen.com Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 11:05 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: FW: Property Taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Dear BOCC, Please do not raise property taxes! Now is not the time to tax and spend. You have received more sale tax revenue and federal funding way beyond any citizens. This will only make the housing crisis worse. As you pay Excess money in bonuses to your staff, many of us work our tails off during this pandemic and will receive nothing for our efforts as essential business. Consider how this looks to the general public and how we all suffer from your actions. Please no Tax Increases. Free money is never free and inflation is caused by this out of control take and spend. Thanks Pete Peter R. Langley Port Townsend Foundry LLC 251 Otto St. Port Townsend WA. 98368 P. 360 385-6425 F. 360 385-1947 "The bigger the dream, The larger the reality" www.porttownsendfoundry.com www.facebook.com/Port-Townsend-Foundry-LLC 1 jeffbocc From: froggett@wavecable.com Sent: Monday, November 15, 2021 2:32 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Oppose tax increase ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I strongly oppose another increase to property taxes,especially since you have offered no explanation why you think another tax increase is needed. Stop raising taxes! Justify what you have already got! SALES TAX Up! PROPERTY TAX UP! HIGHEST INFLATION IN 20 YEARS! BUSINESS FORCED TO CLOSE! WORST ECONOMY IN DECADES! Steve Froggett 1 Marilyn J. Boettcher RECEIVED 184 Cougar Ridge Road Npv 15 2021 Port Townsnend, WA ERSO COUNTY J cF 1SS1ONER �;S November 14, 2021 Subject: Raising Property Traxes SFr" O�y > a©-�; Y's 4e1/7)/ ,® e�6e r Life is difficult enough being as a recent widow and now you want to add to my missery along with so many others by raising our propert Taxes. PropertyTaxes are almost as high as our mortgage, why? I am beginning to panic as to how can I pay for the high cost of Insurance, Food, Vehicle Gas, Utilities, Higher Property TAXES, etc, etc. My Social Security is less, Medicare takes more out of it. Why can't you people work with the budget you already have and cut back, like we are forced to. Food bank is our only hope and most of the fresh foods, I wouln't feed my chickens — if I had any. Do not raise property TAXES. Marilyn Boettcher jeffbocc From: Jeff Schafer <ramjeffl @gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 21, 2021 4:46 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. why dont we just run everyone out of jefferson county,its about there 1 jeffbocc From: Jeff Schafer <ramjeffl @gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 21, 2021 4:48 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. nice to be retired,can't afford your taxes--thanks for nothing 1 jeffbocc From: Jon Georg <jonhgeorg@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, December 3, 2021 10:53 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: I disagree with you raising our taxes ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. I strongly disagree with you raising our taxes yet again, especially since the city of Port Townsend has a history of mismanagement of existing funds and Jefferson county itself is no better. I thought we had a housing crisis?You declared one in 2017. How is any of this supposed to be alleviated by raising taxes?The homes here are already considerably overpriced. There are very few businesses or jobs in this county. I already do the bulk of my shopping in other counties or online because there is nothing here, and I am blessed to work remotely so I do not have to depend on this county for my job. Any time you look on social media, there are lists of people looking for a home, any home, in this county, but affordable housing has yet to be built, and even if it were built where are those people going to work, or shop? And don't even get me started on the lack of infrastructure in this county. It's a joke. Lack of decent schools, wastewater treatment facilities, and horribly inadequate internet is rampant throughout most of the county. On top of that many of the roads are in disrepair even in Port Townsend proper. Before you consider raising our taxes, it would behoove you to be good stewards of the resources you already have. -Jon Georg 140 W Arden, Port Hadlock, WA 98339 1