Homeowners, especially senior and lower income families are being taxed out of house and home. When will they see any tax relief? Yes, the assessor provides some limited tax exemption relief, but the ceiling level makes it impossible for most homeowners to qualify. The recent Edmonds School District $660 million bond and levy that failed was an example of a rush to profit from the super-hot housing market that is driving our property assessment through the ceiling.
The voters voiced their objections and yet, the Edmond School District wants to resubmit the bond and levy measure on the ballot later in the year. They are gambling that with more voters participating in the upcoming General Election they can squeeze out a slim victory.
Our family has always supported the school levies in the past. Three years ago, we help pass a $300 million bond. However, there was very little information and community dialogue concerning the current levy request. Homeowners received some slick PR material listing all the schools they wanted to build. One must ask why such a rush to build so many schools. Was there any effort to prioritize and consider sequencing the construction effort. Regretfully, we voted “No” this time around.
Yes, the proposed levy rate is suppose to be lower and we should be happy about that; but, can they also guaranteed that they can put a damper on the hot housing market that is driving up our property assessment values.
Maybe, it’s time to consider a state income tax.
Alison W. Sing
Lynnwood
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