To the editor:

I would like to address some misconceptions about the proposed county tax increase.

It would be naive to assume that passage of Proposition 1 will only affect property owners, since a landlord would likely pass an increase on to a renter.

In a letter to the editor (July 28) to quote Bill Thorn, “Even with this increase, Island County will still have one of the five lowest property tax rates in the state.”

This is not an accurate statement, as it only reflects Island County’s current expense fund, not the total property tax rate.

Given the statistics published by the Washington State Department of Revenue (2008), Island County’s property taxes rank as the ninth highest in terms of tax per capita.

The county commissioners have raised property taxes in road levies, current expense fund and conservation futures over the past few years. They should have planned better for today’s predicament.

I would like to respond to the accusation that opponents of Prop. 1 are “totally heartless” and denying our elderly neighbors meals on wheels. I would suggest that you deliver a meal to your neighbor rather than rely on the government to do it.

My concern is with another tax increase. How will your neighbor and those on fixed or limited incomes afford an increase in their budget?

I ask the citizens of Island County to vote NO on Prop. 1.

For those who support Prop. 1: Should it fail the county will accept your annual $40 donation to the county current-expense fund.

Gary Wray

Coupeville