Prop. 1 would increase Island County’s existing property tax levy above the current yearly increase limit of 1 percent, plus new construction. It would increase your property tax bill from 51 cents to 75 cents per thousand of assessed value. That’s about $84 on my home! And the 2012-2015 property tax would increase by the inflation rate, or 1 percent, whichever is higher.

The levy lid lift is being promoted as needed to “retain basic public safety and other essential services.” Prop. 1 does not define “essential services” or “public safety.” Nor does it establish what percent of the property tax increase will go to law and justice.

The commissioners consider “essential services” to include programs such as 4-H Club, The Admiralty Head Lighthouse, Beach Watchers, Master Gardeners, Shore Stewards, Waste Wise, etc., and suggest that failure of Prop.1 would mean the end of Senior Services programs such as Meals on Wheels. That is not true. Forty six percent of the Senior Services program operating revenue comes from Community Thrift, Day Services and building rentals. Only 38 percent of Senior Services funding is from government dollars.

Supporters of Prop. 1 are counting on a low primary voter turnout. Let’s prove them wrong. Vote no to Prop. 1 and excessive taxation.

Charlona Sawyer

Greenbank