We have subsidized Everett for years

I’ve been reading a series of articles by Herald reporter David Chircop concerning the possible annexation by Everett of a large area east of Silver Lake. The various analyses relied upon by the City Council, including those members who do not seem to realize and give credit for the fact that many people in the affected area have been patronizing businesses within the city limits of Everett for many years. Their purchases were subject to sales tax, helped pay real estate taxes and helped create a revenue stream for the businesses, which in turn helped pay taxes to Everett which were used to help pay public services inside the city. In other words, these people in the proposed annexation area have been subsidizing the taxpayers of Everett for many years.

So when someone, including City Council members, concludes that Everett will suffer a negative cash flow, such a conclusion is not fair and equitable unless the people living in the proposed annexation are given a “credit” for all the tax revenue they helped produce for the city for many years. If an analysis is done along these lines, then I do not believe that it will show a negative cash flow. I urge the City Council to do such an analysis and then re-consider the proposed annexation.

John Flowers

Everett