We are writing this letter with concern as we are almost at retirement age and the picture looks grim for retirement being possible. While we are truly giving, caring people who want to see schools, help for the needy and the like continue, we as property owners cannot continue to carry the load. Our house and lot was just revalued at a $40,000 increase. We are working class people with a modest home on a large lot in south Lake Stevens. Our taxes have gone up a thousand dollars since we built our home eight years ago.
Now, Lake Stevens is running another school levy in February, as they do every couple of years. They say it is “only” $3.05 per $1,000 assessed valuation, then more the next year. If that levy passes, our taxes will go up another $700-plus, with the next year bringing them up close to $800 more per year.
Then if the levy for the park in Machias passes, it will be another $100 per year. Where are we going to get extra police officers or park rangers to patrol the park for drinking hangouts, vandalism, etc. as the county cannot maintain the parks they have now?
With layoffs all over the area and the threat of many more to come, who is going to continue to pay for all of this when we can no longer stay in our homes? We supported the schools and kids through all the years when our own children were in school and were involved with them, but now we need a break.
The world has changed forever and we all need to tighten our belts and give up some things. Parents need to start spending more time with their kids and not expect all of us to pay for things to keep them occupied. The only thing it will cost is time. Who knows? Maybe they will even learn to like each other.
Everett
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