The commissioners did not respond to yesterday's email and share how they plan to manage the powerful and dealy narcotic called "tranq" that has arrived in Clallam County. Here is today's question sent to the commissioners:
Dear Commissioners,
In November 2025, Clallam County voters clearly rejected the countywide levy lid lift—by a significant margin of roughly 59% to 41%. That result sent a clear message about the public’s willingness to approve additional tax burdens.
Given that, why is the County now considering raising fees to backfill the general fund?
From the outside, this gives the appearance of circumventing voter intent—achieving through fees what voters explicitly declined through property taxes. At the same time, residents are tightening their own budgets, while the County has approved raises and provides car allowances.
How do you reconcile pursuing additional revenue through fee increases with a recent, decisive public vote rejecting higher taxes?
The county is addicted to MONEY! Our taxes are not well spent and I doubt that any of these liberals ever ran a successful business. It is terrible to watch the misappropriated waste that occurs and the missed opportunities they ignore to further the growth that would help revenue grow. I have exposed the building projects that lose our tax money. I wonder what is out there we do not know about? Thanks Jeff for exposing the tax grab that is ongoing.
Jake sure did know about the fee increases and is fighting his way up as an Underdog in this politically funded fight. WHO WILL SUPPORT THE UNDERDOG? I remember this cartoon as a child and was proud of Underdog
The new owners have improved the quality and consistency of the food, and the current servers are pros. Hopefully current management appreciates the importance of keeping hands out of mouth at work.
Why control it? It feeds a myriad of agencies and with it the people who will continue to find new and exciting ways to avoid life. Simply come out with another version of Narcan that kills the high of "tranq" and carry on with the endless 'compassionate' programs. It's not about saving lives anymore, it's about making money.
Great article. It accurately highlights how rising fees are pricing Clallam County residents out of their own community. However, these fees are just a symptom of a deeper issue: our highly prescriptive, zoning-driven code.
Currently, the county spends immense resources regulating what housing looks like and where it is placed, rather than evaluating how it actually performs. A shift to a performance-based framework is the real solution. By applying the same sanitation, fire safety, environmental, and access standards to everyone, the county can focus on actual conditions and risk rather than labels or status. This approach reduces the need for special carve-outs, avoids unequal treatment, and still protects public health and safety.
Local officials often avoid making these necessary reforms by claiming a fear of state mandates or "GMA non-compliance." But legally, this is an empty excuse. The county has broad legislative discretion.
If the county chooses to adopt a performance-based approach to lower costs and increase affordability, the law is actually on its side:
-Decisions are Presumed Valid: Under RCW 36.70A.320(1), county actions are presumed valid unless shown to be clearly erroneous.
-The State Defers to the County: The “clearly erroneous” standard in RCW 36.70A.302 is intentionally deferential to local decision-making.
-Penalties are Rare: According to the GMHB Practice Handbook, outright invalidity is rare; the usual remedy is simply "remand and cure".
Actual Non-Compliance is a High Bar: Non-compliance only exists if a petition is successfully filed with the Growth Management Hearings Board, the Board finds the action clearly erroneous in light of the GMA’s goals, and the county then fails to cure the issue within the allowed period. Until that happens, local legislative decisions are presumed valid.
The GMA does not prohibit flexibility; it requires consistency, evidence, and alignment with statutory goals. Fear of hypothetical non-compliance is not a legal standard.
If we want to stop the relentless fee increases, we need to streamline the code, stop chasing piecemeal ordinances, and adopt a performance-based framework that reduces the administrative bloat driving these costs in the first place.
I recently purchased an old house out west and the house was too far gone (bars moved in) so I had to demolish the structure. Instead of trying to rebuild I decided to go with a small manufactured home (this is going to be a get a way place for my wife and I). The house I tore down was 1,200sf with two bed rooms and one bath. The new house I am placing is 517sf one bedroom and one bath. The property had a county approved septic and well all were permitted but 50 years ago. When I applied for my permit I assumed this would be an easy process because of existing infrastructure that functions really well… man was I wrong.. I submitted my plans to the building department with a site plan with my existing septic, well, property lines, topography and utilities. 1. Had to have my septic inspected, my well tested. Ok, sounds reasonable. Did that, cost for both $700. 2. County came back said you don’t have a stormwater plan. So I had to make adjustments to my site plan add a trench drain with perf pipe and drain rock for my down spouts. Cost for that permit $105.00., plus $700 for the actual building permit.Then they called me as said that I would need to show proof of ownership and also proof of potable water.? I was like what? So I drove back down to the court house and walked them through the process to see my name on the Counties website on the Auditors and look up my parcel number and where it lists my name for the property. Then they asked about my water. I said you made me test my well that is already on the property.. 🤷♂️. Can’t make this up. Then they tell me ok we see that now but it’s too close to the end of your septic (78’, needs to be 100’ from drain field). So I had to apply for a $107.00 waiver.. Ok I paid the additional $107. Waiver. They tell me ok, we are sending this plan off for more review. Two weeks later, nothing. So I go back down to the courthouse to see the progress and they tell me we need an updated site plan as they don’t have it anymore..🤦♂️. So again submitted my 3rd site plan. A week goes by and nothing, so again I go back down and now they tell me I need a pump down test on my well to see if there is enough water and a well integrity test. I ask if I can do this test myself to save money? No! I have to hire a commercial well driller to drive out west to do this. Plus a $100. Permit fee for the test. I ask why the permit for a pump down test? For my records…🤦♂️ plus $550 for the actual test.
Then they tell me they are not going to approve my septic because it is a horizontal shallow drain field design and they don’t approve those anymore.😳. Wait, what? I had to hire a engineering firm to go out and dig a hole at the end of my drain field and have the soil sampled to make sure there was no fecal matter present in the soil. Reminder I tore down a very inefficient 1,200 sf house and placing a very efficient smaller house in its place. This cost me an additional $600.00 for the test. Now I am in the waiting period again. I am almost $2,400 in fees, I have made 5 trips down to the court house waisted hours of my time for a 517sf $63,000 building that is basically and RV to place on my property and I am not even close to done. They are making me change my power. Currently it’s above ground to a pole and I have to put it underground with an “RV” style pedestal. Not sure what that’s going to cost.. I thought buying an energy efficient “tiny or small house” was supposed to be streamlined or easy because we need housing? Next time I would not get a permit, I would just do it and avoid this process all together. ☹️
Jason, thank you for sharing your experience—I’m frustrated for you. This process should be streamlined to get to “yes” quickly, not force people to navigate a barrage of “no’s” and thousands of dollars in fees. Housing should be affordable for working-class residents, and the county should aggressively push back on costly state mandates while eliminating local codes and fees that stand in the way.
IT's all about revenue! I would almost bet that each time you went in with one item they had a meeting to see if they could get another few bills out of you? That is know way to conduct a business. You should have gotten a list of items and what is acceptable not a piecemeal item for requirements. Tells me they're over paid incompetent, and have poor management and leadership. Oh forgot it' s government they contribute nothing to the GNP.
Yes, exactly! The engineer firm I had to hire to test my soil at the end of my drain field told me the county told him to add $100.00 to my bill from him as a tech service.. I was like really?
Tha'ts the incompetence of our terrorist gov ,control, revenue with no responsibility. It's the engineers job start to finish. There's should be to file plot plan and engineers, design and recorded it properly.
Yes, I am all for doing the right thing but nothing is streamline there. When I first received my permit number the building sent my permit off for review to human health services noting was attached to the permit number, not my site plan, my water well tests nor my septic inspection I had done. Human health service employee asked me for proof of potable water and she asked for my site plan. I told her the building department had me test my water well and septic already? She then told me they don’t give her any of that info.. I was like what? Really? It should all be streamlined, they are 10-15 years behind. They are not communicating to each other. Crazy if you ask me.
Miss, I mean Doctor Berry, what are the fees for boofing kits? What are the fees for syringes? What are the fees for condoms? What are the fees for Narcan? Are there any fees for camping on the doorstep of the County Health Service doorsteps? Tells us what fees you have paid lately.
Health Officer Allison Berry stated,
“A lot of the reasoning behind that is to make sure that costs are actually covered by the fee. There’s a pressure to avoid draining down the general fund for any of these programs. So if you can charge a fee to fund what we do, make sure that fee is adequate to fund those operations.”
The well has run dry. Just say "no" to new taxes and fees in this County.
These scumbags can't steal tax money from the federal government as easily now, so they will raise our taxes and fees to pay for their insane "programs" that no one voted for or ever wanted! You notice that these criminals in government NEVER for a moment consider abandoning their insane unconstitutional programs~!!!
How about the illegal businesses Berry's empire supports? Dealers set up on public property or at major retailers and pay no business licensce fee or sales tax
“The challenges facing our county can be solved — if we start asking two simple questions about every policy, every program, every dollar spent: Is it essential? Is it effective?”
— Jake Seegers
Vote for Jake.
Our economic base is in bad shape. Our elected officials rely on grants vs a strong economic base because it allows for vote-buying and control of progressive policies. Citizens of the state have twice passed initiatives limiting what government can take from us and yet they figure out how to do an end around on the will of the people.
Clallam County's way out of financial despair is economic development that benefits everyone in the county, and we're no where close to that goal.
Business 101: Do a basic cost/benefit analysis before moving forward. Sadly the only benefits I see so far for the commission are for their political supporters, and not the general public - coat be damned.
The "Climate Commitment Act"...and there begins your grift. All other fees, increases, and cost adjustments are fed by this continued myth that you can control the climate. Al Gore would be proud that 40 years after his threat of impending doom, you're still buying it, and with it you are feeding the political parties and government to the tune of billions of dollars in wishful thinking. Man is certainly arrogant, if not entirely predictable.
This is what has rubbed me in such a negative way. How much money are we going to throw at Climate Change before we accept its lack of change. If we threw a billion dollars at the world, could we get it to quit rotating?
It was stupid 40 years ago and still without merit now!
Government is not some person. It was created by our founding fathers, via the Declaration of Independence as a means to address needs in common such as transportation, safety and economic opportunity. For reasons I do not fully understand Governments all suffer from mission creep. Ever increasing and evolving departments, bureaus, councils, boards, etc.. History dictates that Government is a self sustaining, self promoting, insatiable beast. I am not aware of any Government that voluntarily put itself on a growth diet. Infrastructure, safety and economic opportunity has morphed into social engineering, the arts and social programs. Harm reduction, counciling, food assistance, housing assistance, free health care, MWBE, DEI, LGBTQ+, other nationality, indigenous, sexual deviancy, etc. have all become Government responsibilities and/or efforts. When the report card for any Government department is bad the response is inevitably more money. I ask all those involved in Government why taxes are being used to socially engineer society. We have a local common sense candidate in Jake Seegars who asks the simple question "does it work ?". Not everyone would agree with me but my answer to all Government aid and social engineering efforts is no; they are not working. There is an abundant amount of taxation that could be saved by getting Government out of the social engineering business. That money could be redirected back to infrastructure, safety and economic opportunity. Government must be gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation blind. Let society deal with society and let Government do governing.
THIS! govt workers demand their stellar benefits and reliable wages. Grifters and criminals flock here for the taxpayer subsididized lifestyle. So many seem to give up and just join the hand out crew
I find it interesting that you chose a few phrases, namely, "For reasons I do not fully understand Governments all suffer from mission creep." Also, "I ask all those involved in Government why taxes are being used to socially engineer society." Your comment is one for and from all of human history.
I do understand the underlying reason. It is the major core of my belief system. I'm a Christian. This is the basis for my beliefs. While it's not for everyone, respectfully, the core of your comment can be summed up in this: "The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. " (1 John 5:19) When you have all government systems influenced by the most evil entity that ever existed, verified by the fact that all of these governments were offered to Jesus, as they were "handed over to" Satan (Luke 4:5,6), then what are humans to do? The evidence, to me, is strong. In all of history, we have seen good intentions turn out very badly.
I care very deeply for human society. The Government that I believe will accomplish solving all of mankind's problems is God's Kingdom, or Government.
Approximately 71% of government costs is personnel. When the employees receive guaranteed COLAs, and the size of the government workforce keeps growing, they have to find the money someplace to keep feeding the beast. Fees are just one more way to make this happen. IMHO, an across-the-board 10% reduction in the workforce would be a good place to start.
That would be a good start. And if the next year it hasn’t proven to be enough, 10 percent more. We see right now in this time that costs are causing a non sustainable burden on all. Yearly cost creep is higher than income increase.
But it doesn’t cause a ripple to those in government. No their lives are good, as long as they stay away from the horrible people asking questions.
As long as board commissioners and others that are controlled by their NGO's which are controlled by high state level officials, fee's taxes will continue to increase.Most ignorant liberals do not have the scruples to sharpen pencils to cut budgets.One of their agendas is to support all their political groups $$$ and to keep them growing.King pin taxaholic leader ferguson was reported to be in the process of hiring 300 more liberals just to go after people for more tax $$$.Wa state has a big problem with all these elected ignorants.The new tax laws probably will not generate enough $$$ to cover the cost of new state employee's because the wealthy know how to pack up and leave before taxaholic can get his greedy mits on their $$$.It was said in a earlier report that our board commissioners wrote a letter to state capital supporting-requesting state officials to pass a new law lifting property tax rate so all county board commissioners would be in control of raising property taxes to whatever level they wanted.If this happens and it could it will be devastating for most home owners.Ferguson & accomplices on tract to do more damage to wa state in his first year than all other past governors combined.
It is disturbing that some voters which have the ability to stop the destruction of their own state do not vote.What about the radical liberal supporters that see all problems created by their party but continue to support the recking crew to the bitter end.Most moving out believe the cheating in the big cities will not be fixed so it is better to move before all is lost.
The problem with this article... You can't blame Trump. A large portion of the population sees prices at the pump, beef, eggs and relate. They are unable to process the facts that their rent and prices in the stores are also impacted by taxes taxes taxes. Every penny Trump DOES save the American people, local politicians feel empowered to take back for themselves. Today, in Washington, politicians see their God given duty as the one and only chore to RAISE TAXES. Property taxes: Directly impact Rent. Building fees impact future rents. What the second highest tax on gasoline in the nation...affordability... But how do you carry THAT into a No Kings Rally? If it doesn't fit then just scream the slogan, the masses will follow...
Living in Clallam county gives us the opportunity to be as closely engaged with our elected and non-elected officials as we care to be. We can email. phone, write letters, give public comment, and even engage them in person. They all have prejudices and may not always see issues the way we do. I have to believe public engagement in local matters is the most effective way to have differing opinions vetted. In order to make a difference, facts must be presented, sometime repeatedly, to support ones arguments. Sometimes it seems hopeless. S--t in one hand, wish in the other. The town hall on Thursday is an example of positive public engagement between those responsible for public safety and we who demand it.
There was some legitimate finger pointing, by our persecutors office an sheriff and police, toward Olympia and our legislators, and the legislature does need to hear from us. I would think that the county commissioners would have a big voice to influence legislators. I don't see public safety as their highest priority, as they claim. Commissioner French says he realizes that we do not have enough officers to enforce what few laws we have left, that his answer is more taxes. What would be so hard about PRIORITIZING EXPENDITURES to ensure public safety is # 1? This is not a partizan issue, its a common sense issue.
did anyone ask them about the increase in criminal justice expenditures fueled by harm reduction? where do they think all the addicts get $ to pay for their dope? $4 k a month just for dope fiend center rent, thousands every month for "warmth and hygiene" that gets abandoned in the woods. follow the money. we see which hand is filling up.
I have asked that very question, in vane bc it never gets answered or acknowledged. When everyone agrees safety is job #1, why isn’t it treated as such.?
Recently I needed to replace two aging ceiling fans in the house. I purchased the new fans and contacted an electrician. (after getting shocked years ago I don't touch this stuff). The electrician came out and gave me an estimate. Upon looking at it, I asked what the "fees" were for. He said the county requires a $119 FEE for each ceiling fan replacement. What??? I told him, no thank you. I found someone to help me. Seriously?? What will they think of next, a fee to replace rolls of toilet paper?
On the addicted to grants, I've been doing many PRR on grants in the county and the majority 65% and up going for salaries, benefits and indirect costs for salaries. Let's just leave crumbs for the main reason for the grants in the first place. And then each year a substantial COLA, many times more than I receive for a disability income capped at 2%. In these RFP's the grantors always ask for explanations as to how the grant or funding will continue in the event that funding ceases. There never seems to be a clear and consise answer. And the county way over did the covid years of monies they received and set up a lot and now the giveaway money has ceased, they have to find a way......fees. Shameful spending, Jake has it right, two simple questions.
There is value in being the human in your environments who is always the one to replace the roll wherever you go. Reliabilty and consistency are valuable in the home and workplace. I'd support that fee if it went directly to the roll changer's pocket 😉
We had to replace several ceiling lights. But the kick in the stomach is, when those lights burn out, you must replace the entire unit. There is no switching out the actual light portion.
How F. Up is that?
Most people will need to hire an electrician to do it. I’ve been shocked, I don’t even want to flip switches.
Everything that red faced man (Bruce Emery) does is to help the property buy back program. He helps create the condition Kenneth Rondeaux refers to as "willing seller willing buyer." Craig Smith is the property buyback vulture that sits in the back of the crowd with Tony Coronado...to make sure the Charter review commission or whoever the governing body is speaking while they have their mouth open.
A woman in the Dungeness/Jamestown road proximity commented recently about her assesment increase. As soon as I looked up her property location wondered if certain properties are being targeted for valuation spikes to create willing seller
I am afraid the majority of the employees and the head of DCD are all down with the property buy back. Before they thought anybody was paying attention like we are now they have admitted it in workshops and public hearings. They want Dungeness property back. That's why Ron always says "I have a river." Perry Masonite isn't going to have too much trouble to prove this in court. He doesn't even need De Niro to pull a doll out of a bag.. The hearing is over before it starts.
I really appreciate your effort to reveal the typical twisted mindset of the "money grubbers" and scam artists that soil our government with their insane reasoning & excuses~! They CONSTANTLY insist upon raising taxes and fees, even when they don't even need to, just because they want to project the appearance that they are competent managers? Of course, the thought of actually lowering our taxes and fees NEVER enters their brainless empty heads, regardless of the economic suffering that they obviously damn well know folks are going through, but you can ALWAYS count on them remembering to give themselves pay raises, bonuses, and perks, at every possible opportunity~! They prove themselves to literally be stupid on an unbelievably insane level, and at the same time greedy and self-serving predators beyond belief~! HA~! Where are these lying "no kings" morons now, when there are very clearly numerous mini dictator criminal self-appointed "kings & queens" right here within our local government system~??? These scumbags constantly raise the unconstitutional government extortion of taxes and fees, just because they "may" need the money later as their simple-minded excuse to cover up their incompetent greed and wildly insane "programs" that the vast majority of folks here do NOT want or approve of~??? Furthermore, clearly, we have been lied to for many decades when these same kinds of criminals within our government have constantly told us that ALL of these building fees are "to keep us safe"~! Obviously, you have well revealed that these clowns first priority is money & power and they know that these wildly increasing building fees have nothing to do with "our safety" at all~! In fact, these very same mini dictator extortionist "kings & queens" have absolutely proven that they have no interest in the health & safety of the good folks of Clallam County, because THEY have done more harm to "our" safety and health than any other threat that exists! Again, this walking big-mouthed malpractice criminal Allison Berry rears her ugly head to do even more harm to the community by pushing for more & more pressure and fees to be piled onto the good folks here! She is "in charge" of OUR health~??? HA~! We reject that insanity entirely~! These criminals in government always tell us that what they are doing is "safe and effective" with their constant Gaslighting, but why is it that every year we are demonstrably less safe and the only "effective" aspect is in the way that we are constantly stolen from while receiving less & less for our money~??? Hopefully, this phony unconstitutional corporate "government" will be crashing and burning soon under its own lies and deceptions, so that the good folks of our community can come together to build our future in the way that the current & future generations will prosper in~!
County taxes our property based on accessed value, plus school bonds & other yearly levy’s and fees 10% every year.
In our situation we don’t benefit from any of it except perhaps the use of roads to drive on….we own our own well and have our own septic, no kids in school, don’t use library maybe once a year, our working family drug addicts pay their own way to rehab & purchase their own drugs without stealing so far so no free services yet.
We pay full boat for medical care & are not burdens on society in any way.
So when these scumbag assholes talk about how unkind we are they should look in the mirror because they really don’t have a clue or know what they are talking about.
When the working class government elites retire they will think much differently because their world will change drastically & they may finally realize how much they contributed to their own demise & everyone else. They should have spent more energy protecting tax payers that keep the boats afloat instead? Frankly we are done, we have given more than our fair share with no return, infact our fair share has been so poorly managed is reason why we’re where we are today & the cycle keeps going.
HA~! Yes, even before I got into college to formally study Economics, I had already long been questioning the thieving ways of the government, and just how little it improved folks' lives~! Probably because my father, a lifelong government employee, was less than pleasant to be around at tax time. One year my father was SO stressed out about the federal taxes that he had a stroke and lost sight in one of his eyes. So, the subject is EXTREMELY personal to me and obviously I know very well that a great many terrible mental and especially physical disasters, including injuries and even deaths, happen to many millions of good Americans every year just because of the criminal corporate government's unlawful unconstitutional theft of Americans monies and "The American Dream"~!!! The great news is that "we" (Americans) FINALLY have a President and an administration that is destroying "The Swamp" that has enslaved us all in varying degrees. It is sad that SO many Americans are confused and even fighting against their own freedom today, however as the white hats have been saying for years now; "nothing can stop what is coming"! Our freedom is now within our grasp. Nothing can "fix" the damage of the past OR bring back all of those who have died in the governments war against humanity, but all the more reason that "we" can't give up and let the future generations down. I can see from what you wrote that you have done a wonderful job making your way through life, and against more real dangers and the odds than you know, so being proud of your successes is very appropriate~! Up to now it has been an extremely difficult thing for Americans to know who to vote for, because the evil criminals know well how to say the "feel good" things that "we" all want to hear, however many Americans are wising up to that AND there are some astounding technological advancements that I believe will come into play to assist in discovering if a criminal is attempting to lie to folks to get into power! That may sound unusual; however, it is very real science that everyone has a personal unique "frequency" that can be discovered and understood scientifically. This is very much linked to what Nickola Tesla was working on over 100 years ago ;-) On top of that, America is getting very close to removing most of the bigger ways that our elections have been rigged and stolen, which is exactly why folks can now see the Democrat and RINO politician scumbags screaming and fighting against the voter ID & American citizenship requirement today. There really is only one reason why anyone would fight against voter ID and proof of citizenship requirements. Those are the ones who have been cheating and defrauding Americans and the last thing that they want is to be discovered for their crimes!!! These criminals in government never won in fair & honest elections, of course they know it, and they CAN'T win in a fair and honest election, so their crimes are being exposed more & more every day~! Unfortunately, it just took a LONG time for enough Americans to wake up, feel the pain involved in rigged and stolen elections, and to play their rightful role in working for positive changes to save America~! There was no more time left to keep screwing around~! Be of Good cheer my friend and try not to let the BS get you down, because these difficult times will not last forever. Thank God that these criminals of humanity in our government have already lost their war against humanity and their evil satanic agenda has been destroyed~! They will go down fighting because their very lives depend upon it, and there will be NO mercy because of what they have done and what they really planned to do~! These times are indeed very difficult, but "we" were headed for a FAR worse future that not many currently understand, had these evil satanic monsters been successful~! I am NOT using the terms "satanic" or "evil" lightly, nor would ANY real American Constitutionalist recklessly falsely put such a damming label on anyone, so it would be a very good idea to consider that I am telling the exact truth before assuming that I am overstating anything for some reason~!!! Hang in there my friend, stay healthy, and well stocked up just in case~!
My property taxes have increased about 20% a year for at least 4-5 years. I'm retired and have lived here for 27 years. I remember a voter initiative that passed, limiting property tax increases to 1% a year as long as you owned your home. I checked the state's website a couple of years back, and that was still the law, but my increases have been higher than that for a long time. What has changed?? If that law still stands, how can the county get away with their increases? Higher building fees may be pricing people out of new homes, but property taxes are pricing current homeowners out of their homes. If home prices continue to climb, then the county has an incentive to force current homeowners to sell because their tax revenues will increase even more. I would like to see a good analysis of the evolution of our county property taxes and the official justifications for the increases.
The commissioners did not respond to yesterday's email and share how they plan to manage the powerful and dealy narcotic called "tranq" that has arrived in Clallam County. Here is today's question sent to the commissioners:
Dear Commissioners,
In November 2025, Clallam County voters clearly rejected the countywide levy lid lift—by a significant margin of roughly 59% to 41%. That result sent a clear message about the public’s willingness to approve additional tax burdens.
Given that, why is the County now considering raising fees to backfill the general fund?
From the outside, this gives the appearance of circumventing voter intent—achieving through fees what voters explicitly declined through property taxes. At the same time, residents are tightening their own budgets, while the County has approved raises and provides car allowances.
How do you reconcile pursuing additional revenue through fee increases with a recent, decisive public vote rejecting higher taxes?
The county is addicted to MONEY! Our taxes are not well spent and I doubt that any of these liberals ever ran a successful business. It is terrible to watch the misappropriated waste that occurs and the missed opportunities they ignore to further the growth that would help revenue grow. I have exposed the building projects that lose our tax money. I wonder what is out there we do not know about? Thanks Jeff for exposing the tax grab that is ongoing.
I had no idea another fee increase is in the works... but Jake knew exactly where to look.
Jake sure did know about the fee increases and is fighting his way up as an Underdog in this politically funded fight. WHO WILL SUPPORT THE UNDERDOG? I remember this cartoon as a child and was proud of Underdog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08pZo7Js8lE
When criminals in this world appear
And break the laws that they should fear
And frighten all who see or hear
The cry goes up both far and near
For Underdog! Underdog! Underdog! Underdog!
Speed of lightning, roar of thunder
Fighting all who rob or plunder
Underdog. Underdog!
When in this world the headlines read
Of those whose hearts are filled with greed
Who rob and steal from those who need
To right this wrong with blinding speed
Goes Underdog! Underdog! Underdog! Underdog!
Speed of lightning, roar of thunder
Fighting all who rob or plunder
Underdog. Underdog!
Mark Ozias tried to run a business...lasted a couple of years despite being located in a prime location in downtown Sequim.
So did Mike French and couldn’t make a go of it, yet here they are salaried and in charge of telling the rest of us how to survive.
The new owners have improved the quality and consistency of the food, and the current servers are pros. Hopefully current management appreciates the importance of keeping hands out of mouth at work.
FINGERS FRENCHIE.
Great comment!
Sincerely, Mike
Why control it? It feeds a myriad of agencies and with it the people who will continue to find new and exciting ways to avoid life. Simply come out with another version of Narcan that kills the high of "tranq" and carry on with the endless 'compassionate' programs. It's not about saving lives anymore, it's about making money.
True. But they haven't responded in months.
You’re new and probably nicer, just give it time!
Great article. It accurately highlights how rising fees are pricing Clallam County residents out of their own community. However, these fees are just a symptom of a deeper issue: our highly prescriptive, zoning-driven code.
Currently, the county spends immense resources regulating what housing looks like and where it is placed, rather than evaluating how it actually performs. A shift to a performance-based framework is the real solution. By applying the same sanitation, fire safety, environmental, and access standards to everyone, the county can focus on actual conditions and risk rather than labels or status. This approach reduces the need for special carve-outs, avoids unequal treatment, and still protects public health and safety.
Local officials often avoid making these necessary reforms by claiming a fear of state mandates or "GMA non-compliance." But legally, this is an empty excuse. The county has broad legislative discretion.
If the county chooses to adopt a performance-based approach to lower costs and increase affordability, the law is actually on its side:
-Decisions are Presumed Valid: Under RCW 36.70A.320(1), county actions are presumed valid unless shown to be clearly erroneous.
-The State Defers to the County: The “clearly erroneous” standard in RCW 36.70A.302 is intentionally deferential to local decision-making.
-Penalties are Rare: According to the GMHB Practice Handbook, outright invalidity is rare; the usual remedy is simply "remand and cure".
Actual Non-Compliance is a High Bar: Non-compliance only exists if a petition is successfully filed with the Growth Management Hearings Board, the Board finds the action clearly erroneous in light of the GMA’s goals, and the county then fails to cure the issue within the allowed period. Until that happens, local legislative decisions are presumed valid.
The GMA does not prohibit flexibility; it requires consistency, evidence, and alignment with statutory goals. Fear of hypothetical non-compliance is not a legal standard.
If we want to stop the relentless fee increases, we need to streamline the code, stop chasing piecemeal ordinances, and adopt a performance-based framework that reduces the administrative bloat driving these costs in the first place.
I recently purchased an old house out west and the house was too far gone (bars moved in) so I had to demolish the structure. Instead of trying to rebuild I decided to go with a small manufactured home (this is going to be a get a way place for my wife and I). The house I tore down was 1,200sf with two bed rooms and one bath. The new house I am placing is 517sf one bedroom and one bath. The property had a county approved septic and well all were permitted but 50 years ago. When I applied for my permit I assumed this would be an easy process because of existing infrastructure that functions really well… man was I wrong.. I submitted my plans to the building department with a site plan with my existing septic, well, property lines, topography and utilities. 1. Had to have my septic inspected, my well tested. Ok, sounds reasonable. Did that, cost for both $700. 2. County came back said you don’t have a stormwater plan. So I had to make adjustments to my site plan add a trench drain with perf pipe and drain rock for my down spouts. Cost for that permit $105.00., plus $700 for the actual building permit.Then they called me as said that I would need to show proof of ownership and also proof of potable water.? I was like what? So I drove back down to the court house and walked them through the process to see my name on the Counties website on the Auditors and look up my parcel number and where it lists my name for the property. Then they asked about my water. I said you made me test my well that is already on the property.. 🤷♂️. Can’t make this up. Then they tell me ok we see that now but it’s too close to the end of your septic (78’, needs to be 100’ from drain field). So I had to apply for a $107.00 waiver.. Ok I paid the additional $107. Waiver. They tell me ok, we are sending this plan off for more review. Two weeks later, nothing. So I go back down to the courthouse to see the progress and they tell me we need an updated site plan as they don’t have it anymore..🤦♂️. So again submitted my 3rd site plan. A week goes by and nothing, so again I go back down and now they tell me I need a pump down test on my well to see if there is enough water and a well integrity test. I ask if I can do this test myself to save money? No! I have to hire a commercial well driller to drive out west to do this. Plus a $100. Permit fee for the test. I ask why the permit for a pump down test? For my records…🤦♂️ plus $550 for the actual test.
Then they tell me they are not going to approve my septic because it is a horizontal shallow drain field design and they don’t approve those anymore.😳. Wait, what? I had to hire a engineering firm to go out and dig a hole at the end of my drain field and have the soil sampled to make sure there was no fecal matter present in the soil. Reminder I tore down a very inefficient 1,200 sf house and placing a very efficient smaller house in its place. This cost me an additional $600.00 for the test. Now I am in the waiting period again. I am almost $2,400 in fees, I have made 5 trips down to the court house waisted hours of my time for a 517sf $63,000 building that is basically and RV to place on my property and I am not even close to done. They are making me change my power. Currently it’s above ground to a pole and I have to put it underground with an “RV” style pedestal. Not sure what that’s going to cost.. I thought buying an energy efficient “tiny or small house” was supposed to be streamlined or easy because we need housing? Next time I would not get a permit, I would just do it and avoid this process all together. ☹️
Jason, thank you for sharing your experience—I’m frustrated for you. This process should be streamlined to get to “yes” quickly, not force people to navigate a barrage of “no’s” and thousands of dollars in fees. Housing should be affordable for working-class residents, and the county should aggressively push back on costly state mandates while eliminating local codes and fees that stand in the way.
BTW, my whole family is voting for you! 😊. We need common sense in this county!
Thank you!
Thank you, Jason. I sincerely appreciate your support(:
IT's all about revenue! I would almost bet that each time you went in with one item they had a meeting to see if they could get another few bills out of you? That is know way to conduct a business. You should have gotten a list of items and what is acceptable not a piecemeal item for requirements. Tells me they're over paid incompetent, and have poor management and leadership. Oh forgot it' s government they contribute nothing to the GNP.
Yes, exactly! The engineer firm I had to hire to test my soil at the end of my drain field told me the county told him to add $100.00 to my bill from him as a tech service.. I was like really?
Tha'ts the incompetence of our terrorist gov ,control, revenue with no responsibility. It's the engineers job start to finish. There's should be to file plot plan and engineers, design and recorded it properly.
Yes, I am all for doing the right thing but nothing is streamline there. When I first received my permit number the building sent my permit off for review to human health services noting was attached to the permit number, not my site plan, my water well tests nor my septic inspection I had done. Human health service employee asked me for proof of potable water and she asked for my site plan. I told her the building department had me test my water well and septic already? She then told me they don’t give her any of that info.. I was like what? Really? It should all be streamlined, they are 10-15 years behind. They are not communicating to each other. Crazy if you ask me.
This is where the comments make the article come alive. Thank you, Jason, and we are so sorry.
No, thank you ! I love your articles! Keep up the good work! I tell everyone about this site! 👍👍👍
Miss, I mean Doctor Berry, what are the fees for boofing kits? What are the fees for syringes? What are the fees for condoms? What are the fees for Narcan? Are there any fees for camping on the doorstep of the County Health Service doorsteps? Tells us what fees you have paid lately.
Health Officer Allison Berry stated,
“A lot of the reasoning behind that is to make sure that costs are actually covered by the fee. There’s a pressure to avoid draining down the general fund for any of these programs. So if you can charge a fee to fund what we do, make sure that fee is adequate to fund those operations.”
The well has run dry. Just say "no" to new taxes and fees in this County.
Well said, Patriot Ken~!
These scumbags can't steal tax money from the federal government as easily now, so they will raise our taxes and fees to pay for their insane "programs" that no one voted for or ever wanted! You notice that these criminals in government NEVER for a moment consider abandoning their insane unconstitutional programs~!!!
Have a mellow Sunday!
Sincerely, Mike
How about the illegal businesses Berry's empire supports? Dealers set up on public property or at major retailers and pay no business licensce fee or sales tax
Good point. 20% on a kilo of meth. That’s good money the county needs to capture. B & O taxes the State is missing out too.
and no more taxpayer grants to NGOs
“The challenges facing our county can be solved — if we start asking two simple questions about every policy, every program, every dollar spent: Is it essential? Is it effective?”
— Jake Seegers
Vote for Jake.
Our economic base is in bad shape. Our elected officials rely on grants vs a strong economic base because it allows for vote-buying and control of progressive policies. Citizens of the state have twice passed initiatives limiting what government can take from us and yet they figure out how to do an end around on the will of the people.
Clallam County's way out of financial despair is economic development that benefits everyone in the county, and we're no where close to that goal.
Thanks, MK.
MK: "Is it essential? Is it effective?” Two very basic questions that pack a lot of punch!
It's odd that this is the way everyone manages their own finances, yet government doesn't.
Business 101: Do a basic cost/benefit analysis before moving forward. Sadly the only benefits I see so far for the commission are for their political supporters, and not the general public - coat be damned.
The "Climate Commitment Act"...and there begins your grift. All other fees, increases, and cost adjustments are fed by this continued myth that you can control the climate. Al Gore would be proud that 40 years after his threat of impending doom, you're still buying it, and with it you are feeding the political parties and government to the tune of billions of dollars in wishful thinking. Man is certainly arrogant, if not entirely predictable.
This is what has rubbed me in such a negative way. How much money are we going to throw at Climate Change before we accept its lack of change. If we threw a billion dollars at the world, could we get it to quit rotating?
It was stupid 40 years ago and still without merit now!
Government is not some person. It was created by our founding fathers, via the Declaration of Independence as a means to address needs in common such as transportation, safety and economic opportunity. For reasons I do not fully understand Governments all suffer from mission creep. Ever increasing and evolving departments, bureaus, councils, boards, etc.. History dictates that Government is a self sustaining, self promoting, insatiable beast. I am not aware of any Government that voluntarily put itself on a growth diet. Infrastructure, safety and economic opportunity has morphed into social engineering, the arts and social programs. Harm reduction, counciling, food assistance, housing assistance, free health care, MWBE, DEI, LGBTQ+, other nationality, indigenous, sexual deviancy, etc. have all become Government responsibilities and/or efforts. When the report card for any Government department is bad the response is inevitably more money. I ask all those involved in Government why taxes are being used to socially engineer society. We have a local common sense candidate in Jake Seegars who asks the simple question "does it work ?". Not everyone would agree with me but my answer to all Government aid and social engineering efforts is no; they are not working. There is an abundant amount of taxation that could be saved by getting Government out of the social engineering business. That money could be redirected back to infrastructure, safety and economic opportunity. Government must be gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation blind. Let society deal with society and let Government do governing.
Blue Government Is a living wage machine that lies to create Government jobs and a lot of public policy.
To many citizens have there hand out. Gov. doesn't know the word NO.
THIS! govt workers demand their stellar benefits and reliable wages. Grifters and criminals flock here for the taxpayer subsididized lifestyle. So many seem to give up and just join the hand out crew
I find it interesting that you chose a few phrases, namely, "For reasons I do not fully understand Governments all suffer from mission creep." Also, "I ask all those involved in Government why taxes are being used to socially engineer society." Your comment is one for and from all of human history.
I do understand the underlying reason. It is the major core of my belief system. I'm a Christian. This is the basis for my beliefs. While it's not for everyone, respectfully, the core of your comment can be summed up in this: "The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. " (1 John 5:19) When you have all government systems influenced by the most evil entity that ever existed, verified by the fact that all of these governments were offered to Jesus, as they were "handed over to" Satan (Luke 4:5,6), then what are humans to do? The evidence, to me, is strong. In all of history, we have seen good intentions turn out very badly.
I care very deeply for human society. The Government that I believe will accomplish solving all of mankind's problems is God's Kingdom, or Government.
Approximately 71% of government costs is personnel. When the employees receive guaranteed COLAs, and the size of the government workforce keeps growing, they have to find the money someplace to keep feeding the beast. Fees are just one more way to make this happen. IMHO, an across-the-board 10% reduction in the workforce would be a good place to start.
Vote NO on the library levy.
Then reduce their headcount by automating their services.
That would be a good start. And if the next year it hasn’t proven to be enough, 10 percent more. We see right now in this time that costs are causing a non sustainable burden on all. Yearly cost creep is higher than income increase.
But it doesn’t cause a ripple to those in government. No their lives are good, as long as they stay away from the horrible people asking questions.
Thank you for all the details and figures! I became anemic just reading about what’s coming our way in fees!
DEATH BY A THOUSAND CUTS
Those voters who keep saying, “But its only…” Are being deceived by the Boiling Frog Syndrome.
YEAH, I’M THE TAXMAN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPWqVz7j1eU
Verse 2: “Should five percent appear to small, be thankful I don’t take it all”
As long as board commissioners and others that are controlled by their NGO's which are controlled by high state level officials, fee's taxes will continue to increase.Most ignorant liberals do not have the scruples to sharpen pencils to cut budgets.One of their agendas is to support all their political groups $$$ and to keep them growing.King pin taxaholic leader ferguson was reported to be in the process of hiring 300 more liberals just to go after people for more tax $$$.Wa state has a big problem with all these elected ignorants.The new tax laws probably will not generate enough $$$ to cover the cost of new state employee's because the wealthy know how to pack up and leave before taxaholic can get his greedy mits on their $$$.It was said in a earlier report that our board commissioners wrote a letter to state capital supporting-requesting state officials to pass a new law lifting property tax rate so all county board commissioners would be in control of raising property taxes to whatever level they wanted.If this happens and it could it will be devastating for most home owners.Ferguson & accomplices on tract to do more damage to wa state in his first year than all other past governors combined.
Pack up and leave! That sounds wonderful. Eventually the cost of life in Washington will eliminate young families and retirees on set incomes.
Remember: last one out of Washington, turn off the lights!
It is disturbing that some voters which have the ability to stop the destruction of their own state do not vote.What about the radical liberal supporters that see all problems created by their party but continue to support the recking crew to the bitter end.Most moving out believe the cheating in the big cities will not be fixed so it is better to move before all is lost.
The problem with this article... You can't blame Trump. A large portion of the population sees prices at the pump, beef, eggs and relate. They are unable to process the facts that their rent and prices in the stores are also impacted by taxes taxes taxes. Every penny Trump DOES save the American people, local politicians feel empowered to take back for themselves. Today, in Washington, politicians see their God given duty as the one and only chore to RAISE TAXES. Property taxes: Directly impact Rent. Building fees impact future rents. What the second highest tax on gasoline in the nation...affordability... But how do you carry THAT into a No Kings Rally? If it doesn't fit then just scream the slogan, the masses will follow...
Living in Clallam county gives us the opportunity to be as closely engaged with our elected and non-elected officials as we care to be. We can email. phone, write letters, give public comment, and even engage them in person. They all have prejudices and may not always see issues the way we do. I have to believe public engagement in local matters is the most effective way to have differing opinions vetted. In order to make a difference, facts must be presented, sometime repeatedly, to support ones arguments. Sometimes it seems hopeless. S--t in one hand, wish in the other. The town hall on Thursday is an example of positive public engagement between those responsible for public safety and we who demand it.
There was some legitimate finger pointing, by our persecutors office an sheriff and police, toward Olympia and our legislators, and the legislature does need to hear from us. I would think that the county commissioners would have a big voice to influence legislators. I don't see public safety as their highest priority, as they claim. Commissioner French says he realizes that we do not have enough officers to enforce what few laws we have left, that his answer is more taxes. What would be so hard about PRIORITIZING EXPENDITURES to ensure public safety is # 1? This is not a partizan issue, its a common sense issue.
did anyone ask them about the increase in criminal justice expenditures fueled by harm reduction? where do they think all the addicts get $ to pay for their dope? $4 k a month just for dope fiend center rent, thousands every month for "warmth and hygiene" that gets abandoned in the woods. follow the money. we see which hand is filling up.
I have asked that very question, in vane bc it never gets answered or acknowledged. When everyone agrees safety is job #1, why isn’t it treated as such.?
Recently I needed to replace two aging ceiling fans in the house. I purchased the new fans and contacted an electrician. (after getting shocked years ago I don't touch this stuff). The electrician came out and gave me an estimate. Upon looking at it, I asked what the "fees" were for. He said the county requires a $119 FEE for each ceiling fan replacement. What??? I told him, no thank you. I found someone to help me. Seriously?? What will they think of next, a fee to replace rolls of toilet paper?
On the addicted to grants, I've been doing many PRR on grants in the county and the majority 65% and up going for salaries, benefits and indirect costs for salaries. Let's just leave crumbs for the main reason for the grants in the first place. And then each year a substantial COLA, many times more than I receive for a disability income capped at 2%. In these RFP's the grantors always ask for explanations as to how the grant or funding will continue in the event that funding ceases. There never seems to be a clear and consise answer. And the county way over did the covid years of monies they received and set up a lot and now the giveaway money has ceased, they have to find a way......fees. Shameful spending, Jake has it right, two simple questions.
I think the CCD will be requiring an "EXHALE" fee for CO2 emissions while breathing.
"What will they think of next, a fee to replace rolls of toilet paper?"
Run a wire to the TP rolls in the Commissioners bathrooms. That'll get their attention.
There is value in being the human in your environments who is always the one to replace the roll wherever you go. Reliabilty and consistency are valuable in the home and workplace. I'd support that fee if it went directly to the roll changer's pocket 😉
We had to replace several ceiling lights. But the kick in the stomach is, when those lights burn out, you must replace the entire unit. There is no switching out the actual light portion.
How F. Up is that?
Most people will need to hire an electrician to do it. I’ve been shocked, I don’t even want to flip switches.
Everything that red faced man (Bruce Emery) does is to help the property buy back program. He helps create the condition Kenneth Rondeaux refers to as "willing seller willing buyer." Craig Smith is the property buyback vulture that sits in the back of the crowd with Tony Coronado...to make sure the Charter review commission or whoever the governing body is speaking while they have their mouth open.
A woman in the Dungeness/Jamestown road proximity commented recently about her assesment increase. As soon as I looked up her property location wondered if certain properties are being targeted for valuation spikes to create willing seller
I am afraid the majority of the employees and the head of DCD are all down with the property buy back. Before they thought anybody was paying attention like we are now they have admitted it in workshops and public hearings. They want Dungeness property back. That's why Ron always says "I have a river." Perry Masonite isn't going to have too much trouble to prove this in court. He doesn't even need De Niro to pull a doll out of a bag.. The hearing is over before it starts.
Excellent work, Patriot Jake Seegers~!
I really appreciate your effort to reveal the typical twisted mindset of the "money grubbers" and scam artists that soil our government with their insane reasoning & excuses~! They CONSTANTLY insist upon raising taxes and fees, even when they don't even need to, just because they want to project the appearance that they are competent managers? Of course, the thought of actually lowering our taxes and fees NEVER enters their brainless empty heads, regardless of the economic suffering that they obviously damn well know folks are going through, but you can ALWAYS count on them remembering to give themselves pay raises, bonuses, and perks, at every possible opportunity~! They prove themselves to literally be stupid on an unbelievably insane level, and at the same time greedy and self-serving predators beyond belief~! HA~! Where are these lying "no kings" morons now, when there are very clearly numerous mini dictator criminal self-appointed "kings & queens" right here within our local government system~??? These scumbags constantly raise the unconstitutional government extortion of taxes and fees, just because they "may" need the money later as their simple-minded excuse to cover up their incompetent greed and wildly insane "programs" that the vast majority of folks here do NOT want or approve of~??? Furthermore, clearly, we have been lied to for many decades when these same kinds of criminals within our government have constantly told us that ALL of these building fees are "to keep us safe"~! Obviously, you have well revealed that these clowns first priority is money & power and they know that these wildly increasing building fees have nothing to do with "our safety" at all~! In fact, these very same mini dictator extortionist "kings & queens" have absolutely proven that they have no interest in the health & safety of the good folks of Clallam County, because THEY have done more harm to "our" safety and health than any other threat that exists! Again, this walking big-mouthed malpractice criminal Allison Berry rears her ugly head to do even more harm to the community by pushing for more & more pressure and fees to be piled onto the good folks here! She is "in charge" of OUR health~??? HA~! We reject that insanity entirely~! These criminals in government always tell us that what they are doing is "safe and effective" with their constant Gaslighting, but why is it that every year we are demonstrably less safe and the only "effective" aspect is in the way that we are constantly stolen from while receiving less & less for our money~??? Hopefully, this phony unconstitutional corporate "government" will be crashing and burning soon under its own lies and deceptions, so that the good folks of our community can come together to build our future in the way that the current & future generations will prosper in~!
Have a great Sunday!
Sincerely, Mike
Mike let’s think this out for a moment…
Fed’s tax our income 12%-approx 40% every year
County taxes our property based on accessed value, plus school bonds & other yearly levy’s and fees 10% every year.
In our situation we don’t benefit from any of it except perhaps the use of roads to drive on….we own our own well and have our own septic, no kids in school, don’t use library maybe once a year, our working family drug addicts pay their own way to rehab & purchase their own drugs without stealing so far so no free services yet.
We pay full boat for medical care & are not burdens on society in any way.
So when these scumbag assholes talk about how unkind we are they should look in the mirror because they really don’t have a clue or know what they are talking about.
When the working class government elites retire they will think much differently because their world will change drastically & they may finally realize how much they contributed to their own demise & everyone else. They should have spent more energy protecting tax payers that keep the boats afloat instead? Frankly we are done, we have given more than our fair share with no return, infact our fair share has been so poorly managed is reason why we’re where we are today & the cycle keeps going.
Good thinking, Patriot 4 reasonable development~!
HA~! Yes, even before I got into college to formally study Economics, I had already long been questioning the thieving ways of the government, and just how little it improved folks' lives~! Probably because my father, a lifelong government employee, was less than pleasant to be around at tax time. One year my father was SO stressed out about the federal taxes that he had a stroke and lost sight in one of his eyes. So, the subject is EXTREMELY personal to me and obviously I know very well that a great many terrible mental and especially physical disasters, including injuries and even deaths, happen to many millions of good Americans every year just because of the criminal corporate government's unlawful unconstitutional theft of Americans monies and "The American Dream"~!!! The great news is that "we" (Americans) FINALLY have a President and an administration that is destroying "The Swamp" that has enslaved us all in varying degrees. It is sad that SO many Americans are confused and even fighting against their own freedom today, however as the white hats have been saying for years now; "nothing can stop what is coming"! Our freedom is now within our grasp. Nothing can "fix" the damage of the past OR bring back all of those who have died in the governments war against humanity, but all the more reason that "we" can't give up and let the future generations down. I can see from what you wrote that you have done a wonderful job making your way through life, and against more real dangers and the odds than you know, so being proud of your successes is very appropriate~! Up to now it has been an extremely difficult thing for Americans to know who to vote for, because the evil criminals know well how to say the "feel good" things that "we" all want to hear, however many Americans are wising up to that AND there are some astounding technological advancements that I believe will come into play to assist in discovering if a criminal is attempting to lie to folks to get into power! That may sound unusual; however, it is very real science that everyone has a personal unique "frequency" that can be discovered and understood scientifically. This is very much linked to what Nickola Tesla was working on over 100 years ago ;-) On top of that, America is getting very close to removing most of the bigger ways that our elections have been rigged and stolen, which is exactly why folks can now see the Democrat and RINO politician scumbags screaming and fighting against the voter ID & American citizenship requirement today. There really is only one reason why anyone would fight against voter ID and proof of citizenship requirements. Those are the ones who have been cheating and defrauding Americans and the last thing that they want is to be discovered for their crimes!!! These criminals in government never won in fair & honest elections, of course they know it, and they CAN'T win in a fair and honest election, so their crimes are being exposed more & more every day~! Unfortunately, it just took a LONG time for enough Americans to wake up, feel the pain involved in rigged and stolen elections, and to play their rightful role in working for positive changes to save America~! There was no more time left to keep screwing around~! Be of Good cheer my friend and try not to let the BS get you down, because these difficult times will not last forever. Thank God that these criminals of humanity in our government have already lost their war against humanity and their evil satanic agenda has been destroyed~! They will go down fighting because their very lives depend upon it, and there will be NO mercy because of what they have done and what they really planned to do~! These times are indeed very difficult, but "we" were headed for a FAR worse future that not many currently understand, had these evil satanic monsters been successful~! I am NOT using the terms "satanic" or "evil" lightly, nor would ANY real American Constitutionalist recklessly falsely put such a damming label on anyone, so it would be a very good idea to consider that I am telling the exact truth before assuming that I am overstating anything for some reason~!!! Hang in there my friend, stay healthy, and well stocked up just in case~!
Sincerely, Mike
My property taxes have increased about 20% a year for at least 4-5 years. I'm retired and have lived here for 27 years. I remember a voter initiative that passed, limiting property tax increases to 1% a year as long as you owned your home. I checked the state's website a couple of years back, and that was still the law, but my increases have been higher than that for a long time. What has changed?? If that law still stands, how can the county get away with their increases? Higher building fees may be pricing people out of new homes, but property taxes are pricing current homeowners out of their homes. If home prices continue to climb, then the county has an incentive to force current homeowners to sell because their tax revenues will increase even more. I would like to see a good analysis of the evolution of our county property taxes and the official justifications for the increases.
There have been 2 levies and a bond passed last year, with more increases to come because the school district lied about the total cost of the bond.