Columbia County Department Heads Look at Tax Increases

DAYTON — At last week’s meeting of the Columbia County Commissioners, county department heads were asked by the commissioners to provide input into the discussion of raising revenue to pay for essential services in the county.

Establishing a Park and Recreation District, raising the sales tax by three-tenths percent for law enforcement, and raising the levy lid, are ideas worth considering, according to the commissioners.

Commissioner Merle Jackson said the number-one topic at meetings of the Association of Washington Counties is how counties are expected to do more for more people without adequate resources.

One major problem for Columbia County, and other rural counties, is the issue of the one-percent property tax cap.

Originally the annual increase amount was set at six percent. However, in 2001, Washington voters approved Initiative 747, to cap the annual increase at one percent. In 2007, the state Supreme Court struck down the initiative, but the legislature moved to have it reinstated.

Jackson said not to expect help from the state anytime soon and that some counties are facing insolvency. “I’m guessing in five years we’re going to be looking at some real consequences,” he said.

Jackson said that every time the state presents the county with an unfunded mandate the county “squeaks” by. “We can’t do any more squeaking,” he said.

County Assessor Chris Mills said, “We fight these battles every year.” Mills proposed going to voters and asking for a permanent levy lift, from $1.60 per $1,000 of assessed value, to $1.80 for a period of time.

The county is responsible for public safety and operating the criminal justice system, including jails, courts, deputies and costs of indigent defense. Law and justice takes a “huge” bite out of the county budget, said County Auditor Sharon Richter.

Jackson said the county might have to look into entering into interlocal agreements with other counties for services like jails. “What can we do that makes sense?” he asked.

The commissioners will meet with department heads again on June 2 for further talks, and get organized in time for November elections.