Methownet BB

Whats the deal?

Proposition One
Is the Medical care, services and ambulance Aero Methow?
If so, why is only the town bearing the taxes and not the
fairly large area the emergency care covers?
Why is the explanation the wrong one
Isn't six years a long time to carry the tax, especially when house prices fluxuate
Why no argument for or against

Two
Is it Trango?
Ten years to hold over a tax?
No argument for or against

I realize that all my cylinders are not firing as of yet but...

Yep Judy. Probably need the caffeine fix first. I know I'm in the county and I'm paying EMS and Fire services in my property taxes.

If there is no argument for or against, it is because no citizen offered one.

Proposition 1 is for the Twisp share of EMS. The way it is worded it sounds like they are funding their own ambulance service. An excellent question for a town council meeting.

Proposition 2 is the Transportation Benefit District, which is a taxing district to fund mostly road improvements. This is a sales tax that is paid by everyone who spends money in Twisp, not just residents. You get to vote on it, and I get to pay it, but I don't get to vote on it.

Bob

There was a misprint in the pamphlets. The Town of Twisp posted the correct explanation on their website and Facebook. Here is what is written.

"EMS Replacement Levy Explanatory Statement:
The Town of Twisp Council adopted Resolution No. 25-753, placing before the voters a proposition to authorize the continuation of a regular property tax levy for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Ambulance Services, as allowed by RCW 84.52.069.

If approved, this measure would continue the imposition of a regular property tax levy of fifty cents ($0.50) per one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) assessed valuation within the Town of Twisp. This replacement levy would be collected for an additional six (6) consecutive years, beginning with collection in the year 2027.

The tax revenues collected from this levy are required to be used exclusively for the continuation of emergency medical care and services and ambulance services. This includes funding related personnel costs, training, equipment, supplies, vehicles, and structures necessary to maintain and assure the continuation of such services. Aero Methow Rescue Service is the current contracted provider of such services located in Twisp. The proposition requires approval by a simple majority of voters within the Town of Twisp."

Here is the glitch with it. When I had the cafe in Madrona, at least once a day someone came in with their hand out. It adds up. Its not just this tax but all those before it and those down around the bend. It bears down heavy. There comes a time when you just can't do it.

Here's a question: I have a home in Mazama but live in and am registered to vote in Chelan County/Wenatchee. As a tax payer in Okanogan County, am I not entitled to vote in (hate that word, entitled) to vote on measures that cost me money or am i missing something?

John, of course that is correct. You only have one legal residence, regardless of what other properties you own or where you choose to spend your money, and that establishes where you get to vote. Sales tax rates and property tax rates are set by the legal voting residents in those areas, even those who do not own property themselves (though, of course, property taxes are reflected in their housing costs none the less).

Bob