Warning, the Port Angeles School District’s proposed 175 percent property tax increase, needing only simple majority approval, will add $524 for a $200,000 property valuation and $1,048 for a $400,000 valuation.
Many residents cannot afford $52 million to demolish and replace some Stevens Middle School buildings.
Without overcrowding and explanation of benefits for moving sixth graders to Stevens, why do we need new buildings?
Comparing our county’s economy to wealthier counties, our median family income is $23,000 lower state median family income.
Clallam County’s Economic Development Corporation Third 2019 Report, finds our county’s unemployment is 34 percent above state average and 133 percent above Seattle/King County’s.
Landlords will pass this new tax to renters.
The Clallam County Homeless Crisis Response and Housing Plan finds 54.6 percent of renters spending 30 percent of
income on housing are “cost burdened.”
Many retired, fixed income homeowners will struggle to pay 2019 property valuation tax increases without this 175 percent tax hike.
Why doesn’t the school board make buildings earthquake safe and replace old plumbing, electrical systems and heating instead of wastefully taxing to demolish serviceable buildings.
If you owned an old home, wouldn’t you just update and update old systems, if necessary?
Foolishly, PASD’s proposal ignores modular construction’s substantial savings.
At ramtechmodular.com/education-building, a wise district superintendent advocates a modular company constructed buildings and provided a perimeter road for half the cost of two other construction bids.
PASD officials should develop common sense facilities improvement solutions.
Vote no.
Eric Foth
Port Angeles