Welcome to Skagit County
|
October 18, 2002
Ballot issue planned for spring, but voters will get to decide on November 5 SKAGIT COUNTY - Skagit County voters will get to decide early on the fate of Skagit County Proposition No. 1, a sales and use tax for emergency communications systems and facilities. On September 10, 2002, the County Commissioners authorized the proposition to be put on the November ballot, but failed to notice that the date was incorrect. It was the intent of the Emergency Management Council to place it on the ballot in the spring of 2003. "It's as much of a surprise to us as anybody that it's on the ballot, but it is our intention to give the public as much information as possible to make an informed choice," said Skagit County 911 Director Rick Smith. The Washington State Legislature passed a bill allowing for a local voter option for sales tax revenue to be used to support operation and maintenance of 911 communications. "We are in complete agreement with this legislative effort, and support this proposition as an important public safety matter," said Skagit County Commissioner Don Munks. Proposition 1 calls for the authorization of a one-tenth of one percent sales tax to be used solely for the purpose of providing funds for the costs associated with financing, designing, acquiring, constructing, equipping, operating, maintaining, remodeling, repairing, re-equipping, and improving emergency communications systems and facilities. The Emergency Management Council voted to place the proposition on the ballot next spring so they would have more time for public education on this important public safety issue. "We apologize for the confusion, but we appreciate the efforts of Rick Smith to hit the ground running on an information campaign so the voters can make an informed decision on November 5," said Skagit County Commissioner Don Munks. For further information,
contact: Dan Berentson
|