Opinion - Whatcom View

POSTED: Saturday, Jun. 20, 2009

Vote-on-taxes idea a response to changes from council

We can vote to raise taxes for a new jail and to improve the WTA.

We can vote to raise taxes for Greenways, EMS and schools.

But we don't have the right to vote when the County Council raises our property tax rates. Shouldn't we have the opportunity to decide?

At 6 p.m. this Tuesday, June 23, the Whatcom County Council will hold a public hearing on a measure that will let us vote if the council wants to increase property taxes rates more than one-percent.

Why is this necessary? As we all know, times are tough and many families are worried about the future. Yet, the current council raised taxes twice in the last 12 months: one a $3 million a year sales tax increase, and another that raised the flood tax over 30-percent.

In commenting on the sales tax increase, the Bellingham Herald editorial board said it was the "worst time in years for a tax increase." Instead, they called for strong leadership to make tough decisions about budget priorities. (Bellingham Herald, 4/27/08)

Whatcom County Assessor Keith Willnauer called the flood tax the biggest tax increase he had seen and the largest in the Assessor's Office historical records. (Bellingham Herald, 11/25/08)

In both cases, several council members and the County Executive urged a public vote, even in an advisory capacity. The council majority said "no," even during an economic downturn.

In March, I began a petition drive asking the County Council to consider the issue. Hundreds of volunteers gathered 4,400 signatures in just seven weeks - 45 percent more than required. Gathering so many signatures in such a short period shows deep concern about the County Council's current direction.

Historically, County Executive Pete Kremen has avoided raising taxes since taking office 13 years ago. But the council had a major change in philosophy last year and decided to fight him. They even restricted the executive's veto powers - a move Kremen said appeared to be a "deliberate attempt to impose taxes without a vote of the people or be subject to both the legislative and executive branch." (Bellingham Herald, 11/24/2008)

This proposed ordinance gives us a say. It is pro-public input, not anti-tax. Most of us recognize that public services cost money. Many people wouldn't mind paying more for certain things, but they want the government to explain the need. Unfortunately, some council members and special interest groups don't want us to have that right with property taxes.

Something called "banked capacity" makes this even more important. Essentially, if the county doesn't raise property taxes by the state limit of 1 percent one year, they can "save" the unused tax hike and use it in the future. This political maneuver gives County Council members the power to raise property taxes by $7 million dollars next year, an increase more than the entire property tax currently collected in the cities of Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden, Everson, Nooksack and Sumas combined.

And does the County Council really need more of our money? Consider that overall county spending has increased 46 percent since 2005, well ahead of inflation or population increases.

This citizen proposal simply asks that we have an opportunity to vote. We could decide to use all the banked capacity or none at all. But at least the council would have to explain the need and ask us.

This week, the County Council's lawyer expressed his beliefs, feeling the measure is "not consistent with state law." It is clear to me he is reaching a predetermined opinion by picking and choosing among case law. There is ample precedent saying a Charter County's powers may go beyond the state on local matters. This being the case, the council should side with the people and pass the ordinance. As their lawyer points out, the council could vote "yes" and make minor changes later.

I am not working as part of any political party, group or political action committee. Some special interest groups are using the politics of the past, trying to use inflammatory arguments to divide us. I would like to ask: When did giving people the right to vote become a negative, partisan issue for them?

I urge people to attend the public hearing this Tuesday at 6 p.m. and give people a voice.

Brett Bonner lives in Bellingham. He is sponsor of the mini-initiative to the County Council about public votes on tax increases.