Island County Commissioners Jill Johnson, Melanie Bacon, and Janet St. Clair, and candidates Rick Hannold and Tim Hazelo
Jessie Stensland reports that following public testimony, the Island County Commissioners have decided to delay any decision concerning the implementation of an affordable housing sales tax until March 22.
“Last fall, the state Legislature passed a bill that allows county commissioners to enact the tax without a vote of the people. The revenue from the tax can be used for a variety of housing-related programs, but the county officials said building new housing will be their priority.”
They said it
Rick Hannold, a former commissioner, and Tim Hazelo both spoke against the measure and said the commissioners should place it on the ballot for residents to vote on. Both men have announced they are running as Republican candidates against Commissioner Janet St. Clair. Hazelo earlier spoke in support of the tax.
Rick Hannold: “To initiate a new tax without the vote of the people is wrong. What are you afraid of?”
Commissioner Jill Johnson said she hears from businesses that they have to pay employees more and more because of high housing costs. That means businesses have to charge more in goods and services, she pointed out. Johnson said many of the people who need affordable housing are military families and veterans. The community, she said, should support their needs instead of resisting a tiny tax increase.
“It’s a little bit hypocritical that we are patriotic when it suits us. We are patriotic when we cash those Navy paychecks, we are patriotic when we want to recognize sacrifice, and when it’s our turn to turn around and sacrifice for those individuals, we have concerns.”
Commissioner Janet St. Clair said she was worried that the county hasn’t done enough outreach in the community. She said she doesn’t want to add to the growing sense of distrust in the government and wants to ensure the process has been as transparent as possible.
Commissioner Melanie Bacon asked for a more specific plan for using the funds. She said she wants a data-driven study that would identify the specific housing needs and guide funding priorities, such as the type of housing and the area where housing is needed.
The commissioners also pointed out that America is a representative democracy in which elected officials make policy decisions for the public, including raising taxes.
