Isabella Loy reports from the Island County Commissioners board meeting of Tue., July 9, 2024 for the Stanwood Camano News.
Freedom Park on Camano Island just received a substantial decrease in property taxes thanks to a program through Island County.
The Public Benefit Rating System — established in the county in 1998 — allows certain properties to be assessed at their “current use” value, which is lower than the “highest and best use” value that would otherwise apply to a property.
They Said It
Commissioner Janet St. Clair was adamant about Freedom Park’s positive [sic] encouraged the board to approve the maximum reduction of 90%.
“It has a playground, it has art sculptures, it is a convening place for community meetings, it is one of the most well-used private parks,” St. Clair said during the July 9 Commissioners meeting.
“It’s just a really well-used, well-loved community gathering place,” St. Clair said.
Commissioners Jill Johnson and Melanie Bacon agreed with St. Clair that the park has an outstanding public benefit.
On The Ballot in August 2024
| Island County Commissioner, District 1 | Marie Shimada (D-Freeland) Melanie Bacon (D-Langley), the incumbent Steven Myres (R-Freeland) Wanda Grone (R-Langley) |
| Island County Commissioner, District 2 | Phil Collier (R-Oak Harbor) Christina Elliott (D-Oak Harbor) Jill Johnson (R-Oak Harbor), the incumbent |
On The Ballot in August 2024
| State Senator, LD 10 | Denny Sandberg (D-Camano Island) Janet St. Clair (D-Camano Island) Ron Muzzall (R-Oak Harbor), the incumbent |
| State Representative, LD 10, Posn 1 | Carrie R. Kennedy (R-Oak Harbor) Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam (R-Arlington) Clyde Shavers (D-Oak Harbor), the incumbent |
| State Representative, LD 10, Posn 2 | Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor), the incumbent Gary Wray (R-Coupeville) |
