Why Vote Yes

On this page you will find the basic reasons why we support the proposed property tax increase on the November 8th ballot. Over the next few days we will be posting more information on each of these reasons.

The special 2006 Budget Committee spent 4 months looking in great detail at the City's finances. Here what led them to propose the property tax increase:

• Revenue to the City is not keeping up with inflation and the City has exhausted its emergency reserves. (more)

   

• There is no 'slack' left to cut out of City expenses, so getting the City's finances back on track will require increasing revenue. (more)

   

• The additional revenue will make possible continued basic City operations including long-overdue street repair, proper upkeep of parks and public spaces, a restored reserve fund, adequate staff training, adequate City office equipment, and the ability to keep up with harbor and land-use development.

   

• Of the few local options available to increase revenue, property tax is the fairest (including tax relief for seniors and the disabled) and most transparent. (more)

   

• Even after the increase, Langley's property tax rates would still be among the lowest in the state and would still be below the average for Coupeville and Oak Harbor. (more)