HomeMy WebLinkAbout124-91 - Res. Opposition to Initiative 559 RESOLUTION NO. 124-91
OPPOSITION TO INITIATIVE 559
WHEREAS, Initiative 559 will:
Be on the statewide ballot in November of 1991; and
Result in drastic changes in the assessed valuation of property and of the rate of
property taxes; and
Result in increased tax levies which will make it more difficult to pass excess levies;
and,
Attempt to provide tax relief by altering property assessment, rather than the actual
tax; and,
Shift more of the tax relief by altering property assessment,rather than the actual tax;
and,
Result in a tax break for the owners of higher priced properties by significantly
reducing their values; and,
Cause confusion in the assessing of property and collection of tax revenue; and,
Cause counties to spend,millions of dollars to implement it; and,
Increase the cost of doing business by shifting the tax burden from some residential
to business property; and,
Shift the tax burden from real property to personal property; and,
Create resentment over tax inequities among citizens and neighbors by taxing
identical properties differently; and,
Discriminate against first time buyers and existing property owners who move to a
new home, by taxing their property at a higher rate; and,
Impair local governments ability to provide police, fire, and other services by
decreasing its revenues; and,
Reduce or eliminate services of other junior taxing districts, such as fire, library, and
hospital districts, by reducing or removing their tax base; and,
Result in severe cash-flow problems for junior taxing districts during the Spring of
1992 and the increased likelihood of the defeat of some levies and bond issues thereafter;
and,
Resolution No. 124-91
Page 2
Likely be overturned by the courts on the grounds that it violates the state
constitutional requirement that "All taxes shall be uniform upon the same class of property
. . . All real estate shall constitute one class."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the undersigned urge citizens of the
state of Washington to defeat 1-559 on election day.
DATED this 22nd day of October, 1991.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
William O. Hunter, Chairperson
ichael D. Gibson, Commissioner
Laura E. Porter, Cointnissioner
ATTEST:
Rebecca S. Rogers, Clerk bf the Board