Letters

Vote ‘no’ to keep lid on levy rate

What part of levy lid can’t Fire District 8 commissioners understand? There is a reason for the lid: To stop indiscriminate taxation without justification.

It doesn’t matter what the tax rate was in 1985 or in 2005. It doesn’t matter what other fire district maintenance and operations levy rates are.

What matters is that Fire District 8 meets fire and emergency service needs of district residents. Don’t be fooled by the “rate” jargon. The district is currently adequately funded and will receive increased revenue as assessed valuations increase.

It does matter that Fire District 8 commissioners are not telling district residents they are negotiating with the city of Spokane for revenue adjustments caused by planned annexation by the city. It matters that Fire District 8 commissioners are not telling taxpayers that district obligations and service area will be substantially reduced by annexation.

We are left to assume the request to lift the levy lid is to underwrite the cost of commissioner meetings at the Spokane Club and for conference calls when commissioners fail to attend regularly scheduled meetings as required by laws under which they were elected.

Vote “no” to keep the lid on your Fire District 8 levy rate.

Hugh Davis

Spokane