PORT TOWNSEND — Is the city’s budget deficit the result of a growing city, revenue-limiting statewide initiatives or big government?
A public outpouring of strong feelings and harsh words followed City Manager David Timmons’ presentation on a ballot measure that would raise the city property tax rate from $1.95 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to $2.95.
The late-evening community forum at the Community Center on Tuesday allowed for more than a dozen audience comments and several dozen written questions on the measure, which appears as city Proposition 1 on the Nov. 2 ballot.
City Council members organized the forum to educate voters without taking a pro or con stance.
After hearing Timmons’ presentation — delivered before Peninsula Daily News’ deadline and reported in Wednesday’s edition — audience members grilled city leaders on a wide range of issues, from city salaries to the Old City Hall restoration project.
Points of criticism
Public criticism boiled down to a few major points.
City leaders came under fire for scheduling the forum so close to absentee ballot distribution, which occurred starting Wednesday, and not allowing time for public education.
Some speakers accused city officials of holding certain children’s services hostage.
To balance the projected $770,000 budget shortfall, the city proposed the property tax levy or the alternative of cutting public services such as the city pool, support for local nonprofit organizations, emergency services and parks maintenance.
