As a past employee of the Orcas School, I have consistently supported the students, staff, and the physical plant. I have voted in favor of school levies and bonds when they became necessary.
However, the current bond proposal is a massive mouthful, too large to swallow. We are living in difficult economic times, with school districts across the country and across the state closing schools, laying off staff, and cutting academic programs. Therefore, it seems incomprehensible that our school district is floating a bond larger than anything that’s been asked of our island community.
The burden of paying hundreds of dollars more in property taxes, per year, might seem insignificant to the affluent. However, in our island population there are many who find the present taxes burdensome. (Incidentally, I would like to see reliable figures for the tax bite per thousand dollars of assessed value.)
I am a long-time veteran of the San Juan County Board of Equalization and have participated in hundreds of hearings. During the course of our proceedings, we often encounter property owners who struggle financially. Some are on modest fixed incomes but must deal with the increasing cost of living, including property taxes. As a Board we cannot help them but we do listen. For some, the Bond issue would become an unsupportable millstone. Additionally, we have residents who are unemployed, or underemployed, who would face similar financial difficulties.
Upgrading and repair may be needed, but perhaps should be undertaken at a slower and less expensive pace, as has been suggested by several local builders. The letter by Janet Knowles, July 7 Sounder, very articulately questions the need for such massive expansion for a dwindling student body at this time. San Juan County currently has the fourth highest property taxes in Washington State. We do not need to make it more difficult for low and middle income earners here, all for a gigantic and questionable need.
I end with this observation. A $27 million bond, if passed, with an estimated Orcas population of 4500, would mean a debt equivalent of $6,000 for every man, woman and child on Orcas Island.
For these and other reasons, I will vote ‘no’ on this bond issue.
Steve Hopkins
Orcas Island
