County Initiative Measure No. 2024-01 - Repeal County Tax Increase

WHEREAS, the resilient people of Whatcom County are currently grappling with the weight of Proposition 5, which imposes an oppressive 25.33% increase in county property taxes; and WHEREAS, the cost of Proposition 5 contributes to the massive 16.9% increase in housing costs and further compounds the Whatcom County housing crisis; and WHEREAS, this burdensome tax unjustly affects our retired citizens, veterans, and elderly population, whose fixed incomes are stretched thin; and WHEREAS, renters face increased financial strain as landlords are forced to pass on rising costs, further deepening the housing affordability crisis; and WHEREAS, young adults and families striving to establish roots and build a future find themselves suffocated by the weight of this oppressive tax; and WHEREAS, inflation continues its relentless ascent, while wages fail to keep pace, leaving our community vulnerable to further economic hardship; and WHEREAS, this program encourages early institutionalization of children and ultimately increases government dependency; and WHEREAS, the tax hike is diverting nearly $10 million annually to the Whatcom County Health Department, surpassing the target amount proposed to voters in 2022; and WHEREAS, voters were misled that $8.2 million would be collected annually, when in fact, the first year has already seen an excess of 20% increase in taxes collected; and WHEREAS, this measure is nothing short of a Whatcom Boondoggle, benefiting a select few at the expense of hardworking residents who are struggling to make ends meet. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the citizens of Whatcom County that Ordinance 2022–045 (Proposition 5) be repealed, as it poses a tangible threat to our community. Vote YES to repeal.