Comment On Skagit County's Proposal For A New Guemes Ferry

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Al Millikan starts us off:
For the  record my wife and I have been full time residents of Guemes Island for over 25 years
 
The proposed ferry taxing district is oppressive, disproportional and very unfair for the following reasons.

  • It will dramatically increase the cost of ridership. Calculated at $0.75 per $ 1000 assessed evaluation my cost will increase about $375/year in addition to any surcharge to be imposed. My wife and I, like many Guemes Island residents are retired and live on a fixed income.  Our assessed evaluation and thus property taxes have nearly doubled in recent years.  Another tax on property will place another strain on our limited income.  The proposed tax alone would increase our ferry cost by about 50%. An additional ticket surcharge could increase that toward DOUBLE our  current cost.
  • The ferry tax is based on property value not on ferry use.  There is no attempt to tie the tax to use.  Further, it does not address the rental population who do not pay  property taxes  The tax may require rent increases to cover the additional tax.  IF  a new ferry is put into service fees should be based on use, not on new taxes on a limited captive population.
  • Without a change in the existing law it could result in “ taxation without representation”.  Remember the impetus for our national Revolutionary War!!!
  • The whole concept of a new ELECTRIC FERRY is controversial.  Many residents question the wisdom of the concept and many would prefer existing and proven propulsion.  Many residents would rather spend less and would rather refurbish the existing ferry.
  • Any taxing district should include a much larger ridership population to include at least Skagit County and perhaps the entire state. Of course I prefer NO TAXING DISTRICT.


 Respectfully, Al Millikan

 

 

Tags: ferry
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