The June 12 Herald had two very interesting stories. The front page announced that Snohomish County property values reached $105 billion. County Assessor Cindy Portmann estimated an average 17 percent assessment hike for property owners.
On page B7, the editorial, “Those in need are dialing 211,” was about the Snohomish County Social Services Hotline. Calls for basic needs like low-cost shelter were up 33 percent.
The math seems to indicate that the Snohomish County Assessor’s Office is doing more to promote homelessness and poverty than to help prevent it.
Perhaps the Assessor’s Office should answer the 211 phone calls. Then they can see the direct results of the average citizen being taxed out of their homes.
CATHRYN B. MILLER
Arlington
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