HomeMy WebLinkAbout011225 email - State Agency-wide Spending CutsALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Dear Commissioners Eisenhour, Brotherton, and Dudley-Nolette,
Just a quick email regarding the new expansion of Jefferson County government agencies and the potential for increased taxation that these entities will require. Recently, you have formed
a TBD and are still in the process of deciding on whether or not to form a PFD. Both of these taxing districts will rely on sales taxes and other fees in order to perform as per their
intended function. I have included a link for your review regarding how our Governor-elect Bob Ferguson is proposing how the state deals with an overspending crisis and a significantly
reduced forecasted tax revenue intake. Here is the link: https://search.app/ApyHxYJ9JJuSdbjv6
Refreshingly, he is suggesting that we not "tax our way out of this", referring to the upwards of $14 billion (some reports have the budget shortfall as high as $16 billion) that the
State of Washington faces in budgetary shortfalls over the next four years. He has suggested a 6% budget cut across all agency departments statewide, with the exception of the Wa State
Patrol and K-12 education. Even four-year universities in our state would potentially be subject to up to 3% budget cuts.
I feel that the county needs to tighten its belt, look at areas where cuts can be made, and follow Governor-elect Bob Ferguson's example and not impose new taxes in dealing with our
own Jefferson County based budgetary issues. That means holding off on and/ or eliminating sales tax and car tab fee increases as are being proposed for the support of the TBD. That
means tabling all resources, even $1,500.00 towards supporting a JAC survey for reviewing public appetite for a new aquatic center, and for forming a PFD that would potentially just
impose more sales tax burdens on county residents.
Please set the example, and look at every way possible for Jefferson County government to be as fiscally responsible as possible. This is what we as county residents have to do every
day in order to meet our family budgetary responsibilities. We can't go out and just ask for more money to pay the bill and put food on the table when that money doesn't exist. We have
to live within our means, prioritize our spending, and make cuts when necessary, even cuts related to basic family sustainability. If Governor-elect Bob Ferguson, who is a Democrat,
is having to propose to and appeal to a Wa State Legislature, that is also controlled by Democrats, to cut spending and to impose no new taxes, I believe Washington State may be in
for some serious soul searching and difficult fiscal times regarding a potentially much deeper budgetary crisis. Jefferson County government should be soul searching as well. It is
time to save for potentially difficult times ahead.
Sincerely,
Mark L Grant
Jefferson County