I’m so tired of hearing about saving the salmon. Don’t get me wrong, I love salmon, but when I drive to Shelton weekly, all I see are the natives netting for the salmon. They take the eggs most of the time and throw the salmon on the banks.
I believe the natives are over fishing.
I’m a timber property owner, I take responsibility in that. I have my own garden for sustaining me to eat throughout the year.
I’m tired of being taxed to death so everyone can get a high paying wage and gaslighting us into thinking they’re worth every penny.
We don’t need government on our property, controlling us and telling us what to do.
We don’t need big government telling us what to do but, who will step- up to prevent the rape and pillage of our natural resources? Clearly self- monitoring isn’t working. You need a good moral ethic for that.
On this site on a topic, the salary was published AND then what that person cost us because we pay into SS, into a health coverage plan, perhaps a pension, maybe about 30% more in perks - a lot more than just the stated salary!
$541,778.23 in salaries and benefits. But what is the $508,000 in "financial assistance"? And what is $81,000 in "OH"? That's a total of $589,000 of expense that's dubious at best.
And apparently the Plant sale loses money, brings in $41,000 but costs $42,000? So why even do it? Another taxpayer funded entity with fishy accounting and decision making.
After some research, "Financial Assistance" usually refers to expenses like tuition, housing, travel, or other costs incurred by an individual. So, this CCD spends half a million dollars a year paying for the 4.25 employees expenses like housing, tuition, travel, food, and other costs. That's on top of the half a million dollars they pay the 4.25 employees in salaries and benefits. And separate from the $81,000 of "OH" which I assume is nondescript Over Head, which could also include money going straight in the pockets of the 4.25 employees.
So this looks like a complete boondoggle. At least one million dollars directly and indirectly going in the pockets of 4.25 people all courtesy of taxes and NGO grants that come from politically motivated money laundering of tax money.
Including a supervisor who says on the district’s website she is first openly queer one at CCD — but wait, I thought sexual orientation wasn’t supposed to matter anymore?
Again, Washington state loves salmon more than it's residents. The reason is , money laundering. Make a problem, come with outlandish plans to fix the problem and tax out the ass to go after the problem. Everything being done is by design to steal money from taxpayers and line the pockets of those in the "group". This state, this county, all run on lies and deceit. Taxpayers cant afford this or any other burden to their already pilfered wallets. While these people get to enjoy the benefits of NGO dollars that have zero accountability, we the taxpayer are left to struggle to make ends meet. And with mail in voting and it's total lack of accountability as well as dirty voter rolls and illegals voting the dems have their strategy locked in place to continue doing as they please with no repercussions for their actions. Tell me how this is democracy, I'll wait!!!!
Democracy isn't the answer...even if we could get it back to 'honest' democracy...it still leaves 49% to live with what 51% 'decide'! Not a good plan for cohesive community!
Representative Republic where wise leaders are accountable to the public (We only need a few, surely there are a few) and the important issues need to be 75/25, not 51/49. Do we have it in us, or are we too divided?🧐
First and foremost, thank you Mr. Seegers for a well written, researched, and thoughtful article about what's going on here with the CCD.
Coupled with the times I've heard you speak publicly I'm having visions that you're a viable contender for an eventual BOCCC position. Please give it some thought. You're well spoken, articulate, and reasonable. I would work to support your run if you so choose.
Onto the CCD. It would seem that the entity has overlap with SERN, NOLT, and Stream keepers when it comes to salmon. Maybe someone like John Worthington who knows these entities could identify the overlap and we could question not only the CCD, but more importantly the BOCCC who I believe partially financially support these other entities with taxpayer dollars why more needs to be spent with another organization for the same cause?
Some of the points I read in the article indicate to the CCD looking for ways to expand itself which to me is a danger signal. Their goals must not be enumerated anywhere, or open to public comment, so that they stay focused and within their lane.
CCD described NOLT as “our favorite cousin” in one of the 2019 commissioner work sessions that I referenced. There is definitely overlap as CCD performs restoration work on NOLT lands.
Wow, I'm repeatedly amazed and grossly irritated by the web of NGO beauracys that Clallam has allowed itself to become entwined!
This pathetically wasteful proliferation mimics what has happened at the national level under several Democratic administrations. Many NGOs are no different than multigenerational welfare families that keep producing more babies than they can possibly feed, without increasing taxpayer funding! As we know, each baby ultimately must be fed and clothed by someone.
This NGO appears unaccountable, lacks any practical and measurable business metrics that link funding to outcomes, talks in sound bites of popular eco friendly phrases when questioned, and claims they are essential!
Clallam's Personnel budget is running 10-15% higher than comparable counties and now the county wants more money. As we know, taxes and fees NEVER go away in a Democrat led government, and accountability is a pipe dream.
If Grant's are insufficient, then this NGO needs to write better Grants, and/or show a real and practical purpose for continuing to exist. They can also right size or become a volunteer organization. They appear to want to take the easy road of getting more taxpayers money without a measurable and practical benefit to the public.
Hell no! When will it stop? Clallam County stop the "nickel and dime-ing"," money growing on trees" budgeting process. Sure we'd all like a little extra money but Commissioners, you've just about tapped out this taxpayer. And other parcel owners. Again the non partial owners watch on the sidelines as the property tax payers gets hit. Exempt are the "unhoused", mobile home renter, tourists, the Tribe, government offices and apartment dwellers. There are probably others that are exempt. What's that ratio of exempt-to-parcel owners? How many parcel will get milked? Suddenly the 76,000 County residents number gets smaller.
I say to the CCD, you want extra money, earn it the old fashion way. Grants, bake sales, pop bottles, recycle cans, bazaars, magazine subscriptions, raffles, and begging. Stay out of my pockets! Save the butterflies. Grrrr
Geoff, taxing churches? The churches don't get funding from the government, just a tax break. We, the people, aren't obligated to pay taxes to support them. The money to churches is given willingly. Just a thought : )
Jennifer - you have a good mind, good resources and you are tactful and diplomatic. You'd be a good candidate - do you see yourself in a particular role? position? Seems like this site is exposing good minds that live in the County and would serve its tax paying citizens very well. Thank you to Jeff, for allowing people to speak out, share their views, and face censorship.
You need a blazing young gun for this job and I make Bernie Sanders look like a youngster.
As to funding - how about pizza parties (Westside? Dominoes?) the cost of which is underwritten by the CCC. It would take a degree of saleswomanship to get the tribe to sponsor a crab feed - maybe at the CCWatchdog homestead?
Geoff, that's funny. Maybe we could confiscate Al Green's cane and swing that around.
Your funding feelers are out. With enough twists and lies, I bet the CCC would back us. The only down side is you have give up your soul for the job. ; (
Just a thought - The way that the Commissioners are sending taxable land off the tax rolls (tribal, therefore non-taxable ) well we need fresh tax money to offset the loss of revenue. About the only property left to tax is church property as we aren't creating new land. So let church property be taxed and that revenue be solely given over to these outfits demanding the county fund them! Easy Peasy. "X" number of churches in the county. Appraisal value of each property is "Y" number of dollars.
This outfit wanting County support, "Z" number of dollars for 2026, so here is the percentage your church is giving "willingly" to further their objectives. Sorry the county is tapped out thanks to the Wizard of Oz - ias. He has paved Clallam County with yellow brick roads.
The Commissioners can fight for lands that are acquired by the tribes (and don't pay taxes) if it adversely affects the county. NO, they aren't doing that. By not effectively protecting the tax paying citizens they are effectively having the tax paying citizens in search of new areas to cover the lost revenue.
We shouldn't be forced to create, IMO, an atmosphere that turns us inward against ourselves.
Welcome to the Land of the Wizard of OZ ias. Where the motto is, "Never met a tax or fee or levy I didn't want to impose or raise on you guest-colonizers. Wait, there is possibly more coming your way guest colonizer - If OMC collapses? and if there is a remaining debt to be paid? and if it is a community owned hospital? Oh fickle finger of fate point to me to cough up the coinage of the realm. Waylon and Willie, please lead us in the CW song, "Driving to the Poor House in my pick up truck with my wife, kids, and dog."
Jake, anytime I see SALMON PRESERVATION as quoted in your article…... “But only a handful of septic systems are replaced annually, and this, too, is driven by SALMON PRESERVATION”….. I get stuck and can't get past thinking how JKT will benefit or become actors to take over management, because somehow, somewhere this Will lead back to the WATER STEWARD topic.
I just can’t shake the thought. It would be great to have faith in our County Commissioner’s decisions, but that has long past its expiration date. I’m extremely suspicious of them.
Have you ever listened to a tune by the name of "Burn Down the Mission"? The lyrics speak of exactly the scenario we are living under, written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John, 1970. Attempting to reason with those currently stealing your money, thereby reducing your quality of live, is futile; they are not based here, only completing a mission before they move on, the same as their predecessors. $5 here, $13 there, will never stop until property owners stand united, with one voice and refuse to be blackmailed. Remember, we live in the State of Washington, which is controlled by State Agencies, being enabled by our Legislators to bleed taxpayers for "fees" not taxes, but are added to our tax statemements. At what point do people say NO!, and mean it? After you are standing in line at the soup kitchen, one of the many arms of NOHN, or the food bank, in the rain with your family, before looking for a dry place to sleep tonight? If you are being coerced to pay fees and taxes, that if unpaid, will cause your home and property to be siezed for a tax sale, even if you own that property outright, and for which you will receive nothing, you are not living in accordance with the contents of our United States Constitution. And people speak of "reparations". Fishy? Stinking rotten fishy.
Big thanks to @Jeff Tozzer and @Jacob Seegers for sounding the alarm on the Clallam Conservation District (CCD) parcel “rates & charges.” We’re asking everyone to contact the Commissioners to vote NO, or at a minimum, delay any vote until after November’s levy outcomes.
AND
If approval happens on Sept. 2, the clock starts. We need SOMEONE(S) to organize a petition sheet at the hearing and at follow-up locations.
Statement:
Pursuant to RCW 89.08.405, the undersigned owners of land that would be subject to the rates and charges approved on September 2, 2025, hereby object. Under RCW 89.08.405, if petitions signed by twenty percent (20%) or more of affected landowners are filed with the Board of County Commissioners on or before December 15, 2025, the rates and charges shall not be spread on the county tax rolls for collection in 2026.
Who may sign:
Owners of land that would be subject to the Clallam Conservation District rates & charges.
Filing deadline:
December 15, 2025 (file originals with the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners).
Tip:
Please print clearly and include your parcel number (or situs address) so eligibility can be verified.
Plain-English facts residents should know
It walks like a tax on your bill. If adopted, the CCD charge is spread on the property-tax roll and collected with property taxes. If you don’t/can’t pay, it becomes a lien with the same penalties and interest as delinquent property taxes. (RCW 89.08.405(6))
There’s a built-in “safety valve.” If ≥20% of affected landowners sign a petition by Dec. 15, 2025, the charge is not spread for the 2026 tax year. That pauses the first-year collection. (RCW 89.08.405(7))
Appeals are real—but time-limited and run by the CCD. You’ll have 21 days after the property-tax due date to appeal to the CCD; the CCD board’s decision is final, with 21 more days to go to Superior Court. (RCW 89.08.405(5))
Caps & categories matter. Current law allows up to $25 per parcel (CPI-indexed going forward). Forestland is handled differently (no per-parcel charge; special rules apply). (RCW 89.08.405(3))
What the BOCC can legally do right now
If the BOCC insists on acting on Tuesday, they can still make this more fair:
Short term: Approve 2026 only with an automatic sunset on Dec. 31, 2026, and require a fresh public hearing for any renewal. (The statute sets no minimum term.)
Minimal rates: Set nominal amounts for 2026; for forestland, use the allowed per-owner approach rather than per-parcel.
Automatic relief: Mirror the Assessor’s property-tax programs—automatic exemption for low-income senior/disabled households already approved by the Assessor; honor nonprofit/faith-based exemptions and tax deferrals (while active).
Appeals people can use: No pay-to-appeal; allow filing online/email/mail/in-person; use a preponderance standard and a plain-language “how to appeal” page; route land-use/acreage mistakes to the Assessor for quick correction.
Truth in billing: Mail a one-page notice that clearly states tax-roll collection, lien/penalties for nonpayment, the Dec. 15 petition right, and the appeal clock.
These edits are all within RCW 89.08.405. They don’t fight the law—they implement it in a way that respects residents.
Call to Action (takes 3 minutes)
1) Email/call your Commissioners before Tuesday
Ask for a NO vote—or at minimum a deferral until after the November levy results—and, if they proceed, demand the five owner-protections above.
One-minute script you can paste:
“I’m asking you to vote NO on the CCD ‘rates & charges’ as drafted—or at least defer until after the November levy outcomes. If you move forward, please amend for 2026 only, minimal rates, automatic Assessor-verified exemptions, appeals without pay-to-appeal and with multiple filing options, and a plain-language notice that explains tax-roll collection, liens, appeal deadlines, and the Dec. 15 petition right. This respects RCW 89.08.405 while protecting residents.”
(Commissioner contact info is on the County’s website; email + phone are both effective. CC the Clerk of the Board so it lands in the record.)
2) Be ready to sign the petition if the BOCC passes it
If approval happens on Sept. 2, the clock starts. We need SOMEONE(S) to organize a petition sheet at the hearing and at follow-up locations. You’ll need: printed name, signature, parcel number (or situs), mailing address, email/phone, and date.
Now retired, I was once an activist for our anadromous fish resources. The environment, pollution and over fishing challenges I once fought for manifested in loss after loss. A prime example is the damming of the Cowlitz River which was defeated by our initiative voting process; only to subsequently to be swept aside by our Federal Government and the dams were built. The environment that sustained these fish still plays a part, but they too are now farmed. The ownership and operation of fish hatcheries varies, but they remain fish farms. The challenges to the survival of our fish populations are too many to illicit here. I have condensed all of them into one simple fact; fish populations and human populations are inversely proportional. A current example our our leadership ignorance and incompetence is the huge Highway 101 fish passage investment in seasonal water ways. Without year around water anadromous fish cannot survive, yet we waste enormous resources for no benefit other than possibly optics. I remain an advocate for and love our fish, but I am a realist.
What I appreciate about your perspective, and isn't dissimilar to others on other issues where tax dollars are being spent is that they are being overspent and misspent with little gain because they are not on point. This is my basic heartburn with government and the NGOs that form around hot topics because it's a way to garner money. This is where corporations tend to do a better job because they understand how much money they have, the resources they have, and their goals. I see none of this going on with the entities around here. It's willy-nilly with taxpayer money and like a nonprofit, very little of it actually goes to the cause that's espoused.
J.P. Morgan destroyed Tesla's Wardcliffe Tower, saying..."if we can't put a meter on it, we're not interested!"
Electricity, Food, Fish, even life itself...all metered 'assessed' and taxed.
'They' have, or are going for, control of EVERYTHING and well on their way to having it ALL! The slow coup 'plan' goes way back, but it rolled out in earnest after WW2...the corporations have captured the governments (worldwide)...this is the essence of fascism...and 'they' use socialism, banking, religion, communism, war, the stock market, the environment, the climate, transgenderism, the 'nuclear' family, two income households...gov't 'infiltraitor' 'agents'...and now unlimited technology to own and control us.
This is where we are and it looks like, MAAAYBE we are going to wake a lot of people up when we see what the kommissars are going to do...being confronted by a LOT of people...I have my predictions..we'll see!😊
More $$$ that radicals can pull out of taxpayers wallets the more support for wasteful radical voting pools,this is how they are trying to keep and expand their taxaholic democrat party together.What is next for CCD a new stewardship position to oversee others sitting around office.
Great article, Jake. A lot of good information to use on Tuesday. Tha rallying cry for save the salmon with all of its contradictions smells just as bad as rotting garbage. So, I'll plug my nose and endure the mendacious excuses by the BoCC why this fee increase is so desperately "needed." I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at Tuesday's 10:00 meeting.
They explained what some of the 5 dollars was going to be spent on, at their own meeting downtown. They label it as a 'riparian" project. Planting trees laying down logs ETC. They call them salmon hotels at the legislature. Boy they crow about the results. The "science" is there they say.
I call it the Salmon Cisco. working for the salmon bureaucracy. Their "science" uses more water, exposes salmon to lower water levels, and ends up piled on the beach after a storm..so they can send the Salmon Cisco's out again. Their science has "good methane" and "good stagnant water." Stagnant water can tear down dams.. Not with this science....Next time you go over the Dungeness center Railroad bridge look down..OOH LA LA... "good methane" and "good stagnant water."
They told Old Man McGlothlin he couldn't take his tracker in the Jimmycomelately anymore. Their science uses a tractor.
They have spent 2.1 billion on the Salmon Cisco Bureaucracy since 1999 with terrible results. Even the legislature knows its a scam. So now they have to pinch locals to continue the scam.
Meanwhile, the Salmon Cisco hasn't set foot on the Jimmycomelately since it was built in 2004. Why? Because they use a different science that does not allow river rechanneling and tributaries for the Salmon Cisco's to engage in their OOh LA LA....its perfect routine..
I have to keep the price of my pelt up there so I can trade well on the SPAZDEQ. Jeff is up 5 points.
We're already on the SPAZDAQ we are traded on our SS#'s.😱
We are assigned a value at birth (certificate) and 'they' use that collateral while impoverishing, enslaving us.
How do you think they are actually funding 'the mars missions', the giant hadron and other super-colliders...fund all the wars, the rocketry projects, etc?
It ain't from 'tax dollars'!
All that money the fed is printing 'on our behalf' and putting us into irretrievable debt with IS BASED on the 'traded value' of each of us...that's how 'they' are funding 'their' world...we are commodities...'they' are 'selling us SHORT'...it's not easy to find...it's in the dark web, but I have seen it in the past...if we get the right 'address' we can see our SS# and our 'assigned' value...they can do this because they have the actuarial on our life-spans and therefore can calculate when each of us has reached our term-limits and can be liquidated.
I know...I know...but minds much stronger than mine have sussed this out.
How else would YOU explain how 'they' are able to fund EVERY EXTREME THING.
The majority of the world is living in poverty...they aren't paying much in the way of taxes...and still 'they' manage to fund all the extreme expenses...all the tunnel boring going on...everywhere! All the 'build back better' mega-projects...we (as collateral) ARE the funding...sure the billionaires are profiting from our 'consumption'(pun intended) but it doesn't add up to the 'big picture'!🤨
Musk wants to go to Mars because he knows the inevitability of another cataclysm on Earth...I get it...but what's to stop Mars from cataclysm...scientists say it has already been devastated by cataclysms in the past as well...and our own Sun is completely capable of sterilizing the Planet(s) all on it's own.
Hold on to your souls, if you can! It's more interesting than we can imagine!
This is just another part of the death by a thousand cuts that local taxpayers have been inflicted with. The scary thing in all this for me is not that another non-essential NGO is feeding at the taxpayer trough -- bad though that is -- but the massive projected county budget deficit. As we've noted before, approximately 70% of a government budget is personnel costs, not just the salaries and blue-ribbon benefit packages most in the private sector only dream about, but pension obligations that stretch on ad infinitum. Regardless of the state of the economy, the COLAs go into effect annually. A recent article in the PDN showed that of the Port Angeles School District's $63.1 million budget for this year, $52 Million -- 82% -- goes to personnel costs. The answer, of course, is to shrink the size of the government down to where it provides only essential services, and nothing else. That could happen about the time Hell freezes over ...
Thank you Jake for a well written and informative article and thank you Jeff for providing the platform for us to hear it on.
I am a rather introverted individual. My family and I have decided that clallam county where our families have resided for generations now is going to be an unattainable option in the years to come. My grown children cannot obtain housing and my underage child will also be unable to thrive here. So we are planning to move eventually. My mother who is 81 and bed bound and whom i care for, just wants to die at our residence. She wants to look out at her mountainview and pass with the love of her family surrounding her. So we will stay until that happens. But we are struggling. Every year my property tax comes opens a new floodgate of worry. What do i need to cut. How much do i need to save each month to make the ever increasing payment in time. Im gonna have to put off the new roof for another year. I cant fix the old galvanized piping from the 60's for another year. I cant fix my outdated electrical for another year. I really need some breathing room. Yes I do eat and drink water as well, but I also want to be able to keep a safe roof over our heads.
I want to help everyone here in clallam county before i pull the trigger to leave. So I will later today attempt a letter to submit to BOCC explaining my situation.
and asking for some breathing room. I hope it goes well for everyone attending in person on Tuesday and please know I'm with you there in spirit.
I’m so tired of hearing about saving the salmon. Don’t get me wrong, I love salmon, but when I drive to Shelton weekly, all I see are the natives netting for the salmon. They take the eggs most of the time and throw the salmon on the banks.
I believe the natives are over fishing.
I’m a timber property owner, I take responsibility in that. I have my own garden for sustaining me to eat throughout the year.
I’m tired of being taxed to death so everyone can get a high paying wage and gaslighting us into thinking they’re worth every penny.
We don’t need government on our property, controlling us and telling us what to do.
We don’t need big government telling us what to do but, who will step- up to prevent the rape and pillage of our natural resources? Clearly self- monitoring isn’t working. You need a good moral ethic for that.
On this site on a topic, the salary was published AND then what that person cost us because we pay into SS, into a health coverage plan, perhaps a pension, maybe about 30% more in perks - a lot more than just the stated salary!
Looks like the biggest chunk of CCD money will go to CCD staff with dubious public benefit.
$541,778.23 in salaries and benefits. But what is the $508,000 in "financial assistance"? And what is $81,000 in "OH"? That's a total of $589,000 of expense that's dubious at best.
And apparently the Plant sale loses money, brings in $41,000 but costs $42,000? So why even do it? Another taxpayer funded entity with fishy accounting and decision making.
After some research, "Financial Assistance" usually refers to expenses like tuition, housing, travel, or other costs incurred by an individual. So, this CCD spends half a million dollars a year paying for the 4.25 employees expenses like housing, tuition, travel, food, and other costs. That's on top of the half a million dollars they pay the 4.25 employees in salaries and benefits. And separate from the $81,000 of "OH" which I assume is nondescript Over Head, which could also include money going straight in the pockets of the 4.25 employees.
So this looks like a complete boondoggle. At least one million dollars directly and indirectly going in the pockets of 4.25 people all courtesy of taxes and NGO grants that come from politically motivated money laundering of tax money.
TJ this is what DOGE went for and found. Waste and double dipping!
Including a supervisor who says on the district’s website she is first openly queer one at CCD — but wait, I thought sexual orientation wasn’t supposed to matter anymore?
Again, Washington state loves salmon more than it's residents. The reason is , money laundering. Make a problem, come with outlandish plans to fix the problem and tax out the ass to go after the problem. Everything being done is by design to steal money from taxpayers and line the pockets of those in the "group". This state, this county, all run on lies and deceit. Taxpayers cant afford this or any other burden to their already pilfered wallets. While these people get to enjoy the benefits of NGO dollars that have zero accountability, we the taxpayer are left to struggle to make ends meet. And with mail in voting and it's total lack of accountability as well as dirty voter rolls and illegals voting the dems have their strategy locked in place to continue doing as they please with no repercussions for their actions. Tell me how this is democracy, I'll wait!!!!
Salmon laundering indeed !
Democracy isn't the answer...even if we could get it back to 'honest' democracy...it still leaves 49% to live with what 51% 'decide'! Not a good plan for cohesive community!
Representative Republic where wise leaders are accountable to the public (We only need a few, surely there are a few) and the important issues need to be 75/25, not 51/49. Do we have it in us, or are we too divided?🧐
First and foremost, thank you Mr. Seegers for a well written, researched, and thoughtful article about what's going on here with the CCD.
Coupled with the times I've heard you speak publicly I'm having visions that you're a viable contender for an eventual BOCCC position. Please give it some thought. You're well spoken, articulate, and reasonable. I would work to support your run if you so choose.
Onto the CCD. It would seem that the entity has overlap with SERN, NOLT, and Stream keepers when it comes to salmon. Maybe someone like John Worthington who knows these entities could identify the overlap and we could question not only the CCD, but more importantly the BOCCC who I believe partially financially support these other entities with taxpayer dollars why more needs to be spent with another organization for the same cause?
Some of the points I read in the article indicate to the CCD looking for ways to expand itself which to me is a danger signal. Their goals must not be enumerated anywhere, or open to public comment, so that they stay focused and within their lane.
Thank you for your kind words, MK.
CCD described NOLT as “our favorite cousin” in one of the 2019 commissioner work sessions that I referenced. There is definitely overlap as CCD performs restoration work on NOLT lands.
Appreciate the feedback. It would seem prudent that the BOCCC needs to suss that out before making a decision.
Great article @Jake and Jeff Tozzer!
Wow, I'm repeatedly amazed and grossly irritated by the web of NGO beauracys that Clallam has allowed itself to become entwined!
This pathetically wasteful proliferation mimics what has happened at the national level under several Democratic administrations. Many NGOs are no different than multigenerational welfare families that keep producing more babies than they can possibly feed, without increasing taxpayer funding! As we know, each baby ultimately must be fed and clothed by someone.
This NGO appears unaccountable, lacks any practical and measurable business metrics that link funding to outcomes, talks in sound bites of popular eco friendly phrases when questioned, and claims they are essential!
Clallam's Personnel budget is running 10-15% higher than comparable counties and now the county wants more money. As we know, taxes and fees NEVER go away in a Democrat led government, and accountability is a pipe dream.
If Grant's are insufficient, then this NGO needs to write better Grants, and/or show a real and practical purpose for continuing to exist. They can also right size or become a volunteer organization. They appear to want to take the easy road of getting more taxpayers money without a measurable and practical benefit to the public.
I say NO, NO, NO!
And NO, NO, NO times 1000!
Hell no! When will it stop? Clallam County stop the "nickel and dime-ing"," money growing on trees" budgeting process. Sure we'd all like a little extra money but Commissioners, you've just about tapped out this taxpayer. And other parcel owners. Again the non partial owners watch on the sidelines as the property tax payers gets hit. Exempt are the "unhoused", mobile home renter, tourists, the Tribe, government offices and apartment dwellers. There are probably others that are exempt. What's that ratio of exempt-to-parcel owners? How many parcel will get milked? Suddenly the 76,000 County residents number gets smaller.
I say to the CCD, you want extra money, earn it the old fashion way. Grants, bake sales, pop bottles, recycle cans, bazaars, magazine subscriptions, raffles, and begging. Stay out of my pockets! Save the butterflies. Grrrr
Ken, I know where they could save $10,000. Stop the FREE PIZZA PARTIES!
I see Pizza as a line entry in the CCC budget. Guess already approved. Just write the check county!
I’ll buy some cookies if there’s no corn syrup in there !
Time to start taxing church properties?!
Geoff, taxing churches? The churches don't get funding from the government, just a tax break. We, the people, aren't obligated to pay taxes to support them. The money to churches is given willingly. Just a thought : )
Jennifer - you have a good mind, good resources and you are tactful and diplomatic. You'd be a good candidate - do you see yourself in a particular role? position? Seems like this site is exposing good minds that live in the County and would serve its tax paying citizens very well. Thank you to Jeff, for allowing people to speak out, share their views, and face censorship.
Geoff, only if you promise to run as my Vice President and find funding! ; )
You need a blazing young gun for this job and I make Bernie Sanders look like a youngster.
As to funding - how about pizza parties (Westside? Dominoes?) the cost of which is underwritten by the CCC. It would take a degree of saleswomanship to get the tribe to sponsor a crab feed - maybe at the CCWatchdog homestead?
Geoff, that's funny. Maybe we could confiscate Al Green's cane and swing that around.
Your funding feelers are out. With enough twists and lies, I bet the CCC would back us. The only down side is you have give up your soul for the job. ; (
and not face censorship.
Just a thought - The way that the Commissioners are sending taxable land off the tax rolls (tribal, therefore non-taxable ) well we need fresh tax money to offset the loss of revenue. About the only property left to tax is church property as we aren't creating new land. So let church property be taxed and that revenue be solely given over to these outfits demanding the county fund them! Easy Peasy. "X" number of churches in the county. Appraisal value of each property is "Y" number of dollars.
This outfit wanting County support, "Z" number of dollars for 2026, so here is the percentage your church is giving "willingly" to further their objectives. Sorry the county is tapped out thanks to the Wizard of Oz - ias. He has paved Clallam County with yellow brick roads.
The Commissioners can fight for lands that are acquired by the tribes (and don't pay taxes) if it adversely affects the county. NO, they aren't doing that. By not effectively protecting the tax paying citizens they are effectively having the tax paying citizens in search of new areas to cover the lost revenue.
We shouldn't be forced to create, IMO, an atmosphere that turns us inward against ourselves.
Welcome to the Land of the Wizard of OZ ias. Where the motto is, "Never met a tax or fee or levy I didn't want to impose or raise on you guest-colonizers. Wait, there is possibly more coming your way guest colonizer - If OMC collapses? and if there is a remaining debt to be paid? and if it is a community owned hospital? Oh fickle finger of fate point to me to cough up the coinage of the realm. Waylon and Willie, please lead us in the CW song, "Driving to the Poor House in my pick up truck with my wife, kids, and dog."
Jake, anytime I see SALMON PRESERVATION as quoted in your article…... “But only a handful of septic systems are replaced annually, and this, too, is driven by SALMON PRESERVATION”….. I get stuck and can't get past thinking how JKT will benefit or become actors to take over management, because somehow, somewhere this Will lead back to the WATER STEWARD topic.
I just can’t shake the thought. It would be great to have faith in our County Commissioner’s decisions, but that has long past its expiration date. I’m extremely suspicious of them.
Thank you for your research and article
They are undermining our government...that is the definition of treason!😎
Have you ever listened to a tune by the name of "Burn Down the Mission"? The lyrics speak of exactly the scenario we are living under, written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John, 1970. Attempting to reason with those currently stealing your money, thereby reducing your quality of live, is futile; they are not based here, only completing a mission before they move on, the same as their predecessors. $5 here, $13 there, will never stop until property owners stand united, with one voice and refuse to be blackmailed. Remember, we live in the State of Washington, which is controlled by State Agencies, being enabled by our Legislators to bleed taxpayers for "fees" not taxes, but are added to our tax statemements. At what point do people say NO!, and mean it? After you are standing in line at the soup kitchen, one of the many arms of NOHN, or the food bank, in the rain with your family, before looking for a dry place to sleep tonight? If you are being coerced to pay fees and taxes, that if unpaid, will cause your home and property to be siezed for a tax sale, even if you own that property outright, and for which you will receive nothing, you are not living in accordance with the contents of our United States Constitution. And people speak of "reparations". Fishy? Stinking rotten fishy.
Jake-
Thanks for the snips of $$ liquidity.
“While the Masses are asleep”.
I know there is a nefarious act in the “Fish Barrier” projects.
For years I traveled weekly to Southern WA via Hood Canal & 101 via Forks.
If you go to the *WDOT app, you will MOSTLY see construction & FBRP’s !
It is enough to make me cry, growing up in the Humptulips River, The Wishkah… the Fish are gone.
I grew up fishing with my dad.
I repeat, The fish are gone from these areas.
The $5. fee on Our property.
Enough. 🙌🏻
This MOM & Grandmother is drawing the line between “incompetency & evil”.
There is NO OTHER reason behind any of this.
*See YOU Tuesday!
We KEEP showing up with Graphics, Receipts etc.
Bring your neighbor.
This time, the
commissioners will shorten their commentary so WE have more time to Speak.👊🏼
See you Tuesday! I’m probably bringing a couple of my kids and I encourage others to as well(:
Incredible!💥👍🏼
Big thanks to @Jeff Tozzer and @Jacob Seegers for sounding the alarm on the Clallam Conservation District (CCD) parcel “rates & charges.” We’re asking everyone to contact the Commissioners to vote NO, or at a minimum, delay any vote until after November’s levy outcomes.
AND
If approval happens on Sept. 2, the clock starts. We need SOMEONE(S) to organize a petition sheet at the hearing and at follow-up locations.
Statement:
Pursuant to RCW 89.08.405, the undersigned owners of land that would be subject to the rates and charges approved on September 2, 2025, hereby object. Under RCW 89.08.405, if petitions signed by twenty percent (20%) or more of affected landowners are filed with the Board of County Commissioners on or before December 15, 2025, the rates and charges shall not be spread on the county tax rolls for collection in 2026.
Who may sign:
Owners of land that would be subject to the Clallam Conservation District rates & charges.
Filing deadline:
December 15, 2025 (file originals with the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners).
Tip:
Please print clearly and include your parcel number (or situs address) so eligibility can be verified.
Plain-English facts residents should know
It walks like a tax on your bill. If adopted, the CCD charge is spread on the property-tax roll and collected with property taxes. If you don’t/can’t pay, it becomes a lien with the same penalties and interest as delinquent property taxes. (RCW 89.08.405(6))
There’s a built-in “safety valve.” If ≥20% of affected landowners sign a petition by Dec. 15, 2025, the charge is not spread for the 2026 tax year. That pauses the first-year collection. (RCW 89.08.405(7))
Appeals are real—but time-limited and run by the CCD. You’ll have 21 days after the property-tax due date to appeal to the CCD; the CCD board’s decision is final, with 21 more days to go to Superior Court. (RCW 89.08.405(5))
Caps & categories matter. Current law allows up to $25 per parcel (CPI-indexed going forward). Forestland is handled differently (no per-parcel charge; special rules apply). (RCW 89.08.405(3))
What the BOCC can legally do right now
If the BOCC insists on acting on Tuesday, they can still make this more fair:
Short term: Approve 2026 only with an automatic sunset on Dec. 31, 2026, and require a fresh public hearing for any renewal. (The statute sets no minimum term.)
Minimal rates: Set nominal amounts for 2026; for forestland, use the allowed per-owner approach rather than per-parcel.
Automatic relief: Mirror the Assessor’s property-tax programs—automatic exemption for low-income senior/disabled households already approved by the Assessor; honor nonprofit/faith-based exemptions and tax deferrals (while active).
Appeals people can use: No pay-to-appeal; allow filing online/email/mail/in-person; use a preponderance standard and a plain-language “how to appeal” page; route land-use/acreage mistakes to the Assessor for quick correction.
Truth in billing: Mail a one-page notice that clearly states tax-roll collection, lien/penalties for nonpayment, the Dec. 15 petition right, and the appeal clock.
These edits are all within RCW 89.08.405. They don’t fight the law—they implement it in a way that respects residents.
Call to Action (takes 3 minutes)
1) Email/call your Commissioners before Tuesday
Ask for a NO vote—or at minimum a deferral until after the November levy results—and, if they proceed, demand the five owner-protections above.
One-minute script you can paste:
“I’m asking you to vote NO on the CCD ‘rates & charges’ as drafted—or at least defer until after the November levy outcomes. If you move forward, please amend for 2026 only, minimal rates, automatic Assessor-verified exemptions, appeals without pay-to-appeal and with multiple filing options, and a plain-language notice that explains tax-roll collection, liens, appeal deadlines, and the Dec. 15 petition right. This respects RCW 89.08.405 while protecting residents.”
(Commissioner contact info is on the County’s website; email + phone are both effective. CC the Clerk of the Board so it lands in the record.)
2) Be ready to sign the petition if the BOCC passes it
If approval happens on Sept. 2, the clock starts. We need SOMEONE(S) to organize a petition sheet at the hearing and at follow-up locations. You’ll need: printed name, signature, parcel number (or situs), mailing address, email/phone, and date.
Thanks. I will send commissioners letter today.
Thank you so much! This is helping me greatly
Teresa What the Commissioner's clerk email address
@Ken, Loni Gores is the BOCC clerk, and her email address is: Loni.Gores@clallamcountywa.gov
Now retired, I was once an activist for our anadromous fish resources. The environment, pollution and over fishing challenges I once fought for manifested in loss after loss. A prime example is the damming of the Cowlitz River which was defeated by our initiative voting process; only to subsequently to be swept aside by our Federal Government and the dams were built. The environment that sustained these fish still plays a part, but they too are now farmed. The ownership and operation of fish hatcheries varies, but they remain fish farms. The challenges to the survival of our fish populations are too many to illicit here. I have condensed all of them into one simple fact; fish populations and human populations are inversely proportional. A current example our our leadership ignorance and incompetence is the huge Highway 101 fish passage investment in seasonal water ways. Without year around water anadromous fish cannot survive, yet we waste enormous resources for no benefit other than possibly optics. I remain an advocate for and love our fish, but I am a realist.
What I appreciate about your perspective, and isn't dissimilar to others on other issues where tax dollars are being spent is that they are being overspent and misspent with little gain because they are not on point. This is my basic heartburn with government and the NGOs that form around hot topics because it's a way to garner money. This is where corporations tend to do a better job because they understand how much money they have, the resources they have, and their goals. I see none of this going on with the entities around here. It's willy-nilly with taxpayer money and like a nonprofit, very little of it actually goes to the cause that's espoused.
J.P. Morgan destroyed Tesla's Wardcliffe Tower, saying..."if we can't put a meter on it, we're not interested!"
Electricity, Food, Fish, even life itself...all metered 'assessed' and taxed.
'They' have, or are going for, control of EVERYTHING and well on their way to having it ALL! The slow coup 'plan' goes way back, but it rolled out in earnest after WW2...the corporations have captured the governments (worldwide)...this is the essence of fascism...and 'they' use socialism, banking, religion, communism, war, the stock market, the environment, the climate, transgenderism, the 'nuclear' family, two income households...gov't 'infiltraitor' 'agents'...and now unlimited technology to own and control us.
This is where we are and it looks like, MAAAYBE we are going to wake a lot of people up when we see what the kommissars are going to do...being confronted by a LOT of people...I have my predictions..we'll see!😊
More $$$ that radicals can pull out of taxpayers wallets the more support for wasteful radical voting pools,this is how they are trying to keep and expand their taxaholic democrat party together.What is next for CCD a new stewardship position to oversee others sitting around office.
BTW-
Matriotti Creek runs smack in the middle of my
property.
This creek is NOW deemed Type 3.
This means, we can “beautify” but not build within a 60 foot buffer.
We pay FULL taxes in this.
I went into the Assessors office and spoke to them for 45 mins last week.
They think ME stupid.
Where does it end?!
Let’s clean the streets and pave the way for our kids, nephews, nieces, grandkids.
🇺🇸🇺🇸
CLEAN THE STREETS, THE CLOSETS, THE BOARD ROOMS, THE CHURCHES, THE TOWN HALL, THE CUPBOARDS, THE GARAGE, THE CONGRESS AND SENATE, ETC.!😎
that’s a lot of cleaning 🇺🇸🙏🏼
Great article, Jake. A lot of good information to use on Tuesday. Tha rallying cry for save the salmon with all of its contradictions smells just as bad as rotting garbage. So, I'll plug my nose and endure the mendacious excuses by the BoCC why this fee increase is so desperately "needed." I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at Tuesday's 10:00 meeting.
Nice work Jake.
They explained what some of the 5 dollars was going to be spent on, at their own meeting downtown. They label it as a 'riparian" project. Planting trees laying down logs ETC. They call them salmon hotels at the legislature. Boy they crow about the results. The "science" is there they say.
I call it the Salmon Cisco. working for the salmon bureaucracy. Their "science" uses more water, exposes salmon to lower water levels, and ends up piled on the beach after a storm..so they can send the Salmon Cisco's out again. Their science has "good methane" and "good stagnant water." Stagnant water can tear down dams.. Not with this science....Next time you go over the Dungeness center Railroad bridge look down..OOH LA LA... "good methane" and "good stagnant water."
They told Old Man McGlothlin he couldn't take his tracker in the Jimmycomelately anymore. Their science uses a tractor.
They have spent 2.1 billion on the Salmon Cisco Bureaucracy since 1999 with terrible results. Even the legislature knows its a scam. So now they have to pinch locals to continue the scam.
Meanwhile, the Salmon Cisco hasn't set foot on the Jimmycomelately since it was built in 2004. Why? Because they use a different science that does not allow river rechanneling and tributaries for the Salmon Cisco's to engage in their OOh LA LA....its perfect routine..
I have to keep the price of my pelt up there so I can trade well on the SPAZDEQ. Jeff is up 5 points.
We're already on the SPAZDAQ we are traded on our SS#'s.😱
We are assigned a value at birth (certificate) and 'they' use that collateral while impoverishing, enslaving us.
How do you think they are actually funding 'the mars missions', the giant hadron and other super-colliders...fund all the wars, the rocketry projects, etc?
It ain't from 'tax dollars'!
All that money the fed is printing 'on our behalf' and putting us into irretrievable debt with IS BASED on the 'traded value' of each of us...that's how 'they' are funding 'their' world...we are commodities...'they' are 'selling us SHORT'...it's not easy to find...it's in the dark web, but I have seen it in the past...if we get the right 'address' we can see our SS# and our 'assigned' value...they can do this because they have the actuarial on our life-spans and therefore can calculate when each of us has reached our term-limits and can be liquidated.
I know...I know...but minds much stronger than mine have sussed this out.
How else would YOU explain how 'they' are able to fund EVERY EXTREME THING.
The majority of the world is living in poverty...they aren't paying much in the way of taxes...and still 'they' manage to fund all the extreme expenses...all the tunnel boring going on...everywhere! All the 'build back better' mega-projects...we (as collateral) ARE the funding...sure the billionaires are profiting from our 'consumption'(pun intended) but it doesn't add up to the 'big picture'!🤨
Musk wants to go to Mars because he knows the inevitability of another cataclysm on Earth...I get it...but what's to stop Mars from cataclysm...scientists say it has already been devastated by cataclysms in the past as well...and our own Sun is completely capable of sterilizing the Planet(s) all on it's own.
Hold on to your souls, if you can! It's more interesting than we can imagine!
Glad I'm not my body!😎
This is just another part of the death by a thousand cuts that local taxpayers have been inflicted with. The scary thing in all this for me is not that another non-essential NGO is feeding at the taxpayer trough -- bad though that is -- but the massive projected county budget deficit. As we've noted before, approximately 70% of a government budget is personnel costs, not just the salaries and blue-ribbon benefit packages most in the private sector only dream about, but pension obligations that stretch on ad infinitum. Regardless of the state of the economy, the COLAs go into effect annually. A recent article in the PDN showed that of the Port Angeles School District's $63.1 million budget for this year, $52 Million -- 82% -- goes to personnel costs. The answer, of course, is to shrink the size of the government down to where it provides only essential services, and nothing else. That could happen about the time Hell freezes over ...
Scientists say we are entering a cooling trend globally. Give it some time and Hell just might freeze over.
:-)
Thank you Jake for a well written and informative article and thank you Jeff for providing the platform for us to hear it on.
I am a rather introverted individual. My family and I have decided that clallam county where our families have resided for generations now is going to be an unattainable option in the years to come. My grown children cannot obtain housing and my underage child will also be unable to thrive here. So we are planning to move eventually. My mother who is 81 and bed bound and whom i care for, just wants to die at our residence. She wants to look out at her mountainview and pass with the love of her family surrounding her. So we will stay until that happens. But we are struggling. Every year my property tax comes opens a new floodgate of worry. What do i need to cut. How much do i need to save each month to make the ever increasing payment in time. Im gonna have to put off the new roof for another year. I cant fix the old galvanized piping from the 60's for another year. I cant fix my outdated electrical for another year. I really need some breathing room. Yes I do eat and drink water as well, but I also want to be able to keep a safe roof over our heads.
I want to help everyone here in clallam county before i pull the trigger to leave. So I will later today attempt a letter to submit to BOCC explaining my situation.
and asking for some breathing room. I hope it goes well for everyone attending in person on Tuesday and please know I'm with you there in spirit.