HomeMy WebLinkAbout102723 constituent County tax district for PT poolALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
I’d like to express my thoughts specific to the proposed County wide taxation to support the pending aquatic center, and the seemingly Port Townsend driven nature of the conversation.
It appears that the Port Townsend City Council will have the opportunity to make the recommendation to the County Board of Commissioners as to whether or not a special County wide tax
district should be created. I appreciate and understand that this would then go to a ballot measure in April 2024, however, as the majority of residents (including myself) of Jefferson
County do not live in Port Townsend, and subsequently do not have a vote or role in electing or holding accountable the people now proposing a County wide tax, I find this concerning.
I am supportive of a facility that’s funded equitably and transparently but I do not think it right or fair for a small group of people from Port Townsend to propose measures to increase
taxes for the majority of the residents in our county, as most of us happen to live outside of Port Townsend. I am pro recreation and even pro pool, but this seems like the wrong time
for our County to be having this conversation when we have more dire needs in housing, child care, and attracting a sustainable workforce as these issues touch our entire County. Addressing
the many existing challenges to support our communities ability to grow and thrive seems like it would be a better use of our elected leaders' efforts.
As a mid county resident, I’d have no problem paying more per visit or per month for my usage of a such a facility, but if I choose not to, or am unable to utilize the facility, it
feels very inequitable that my taxes would subsidize a facility that appears primarily geared toward providing recreational opportunity to the area of Jefferson County that has highest
concentration of wealth.
I am hopeful the Commissioners representing Mid-County, South-County and the West end will speak with and give voice to their constituents, instead of just accepting the City Council’s
recommendation. If this is going to affect all of us, then please include all of us in the conversation.
Thank you for consideration,
Del Schoenthaler