Everett, Prop. 1: Vote no to unnecessary tax increase

Published 1:30 am Sunday, July 28, 2024

As a resident of Everett, I am reaching out to discuss a matter that will impact all of us significantly: Proposition 1. While the city government has presented this initiative as a necessary step for our community, it is crucial that we understand the full implications before casting our votes.

Proposition 1 proposes a staggering 44 percent increase in the city portion of property taxes. Currently, the levy is $1.52 per $1,000 of assessed value, but if Prop. 1 passes, this will rise to $2.19 per $1,000. This dramatic increase is being downplayed by the city, which prefers to break down the additional cost into monthly increments, making it appear more manageable. However, this calculation is based on outdated home values and does not reflect the true financial burden.

Consider the real annual costs: For a home valued at $400,000, the extra tax will be $268 per year.

That figure illustrates the significant financial impact on homeowners. But it’s not just property owners who will feel the pinch. Landlords are likely to pass these costs on to renters.

Moreover, it is important to address the misleading information about public safety. The proponents of Prop. 1 suggest that rejecting it will result in cuts to essential services like police and fire departments. This is simply not true. The mayor and city council have not proposed any reductions in public safety funding if Prop. 1 fails.

By rejecting Prop. 1, we are not compromising our safety or community services. Instead, we are sending a clear message to our city leaders that they need to manage our budget responsibly without resorting to substantial tax increases that burden our residents.

Please join me in rejecting Proposition 1. Let’s keep Everett affordable for everyone and demand fiscal responsibility from our elected officials.

Joel Norris

Everett