Editorial was mistaken about city’s levy request

DAWN MASKO; University Place
Last updated: October 12th, 2008 12:57 AM (PDT)

The editorial about the DuPont Fire/Medic One levy contained an incorrect figure for Lakewood Fire District No. 2’s property tax levy rate. It stated that the district charges its residents “just 87 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.”

In actuality, the estimated 2009 levy rate for Lakewood Fire is $2.37 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. This is extremely different from 87 cents and presents a distorted picture when trying to make a comparison between the levy rate range proposed by the DuPont City Council and Lakewood Fire’s levy rate. Even if the council certifies $1 from the proposed levy, combined with the estimated $1.01 regular property tax rate, the total of $2.01 is still less than the Lakewood Fire levy rate.

I am also concerned about your allegation that city officials will look for ways to categorize existing services as new. This comment is inflammatory and not based on any factual evidence whatsoever. The city is attempting to rectify what was an oversight, not an intentional illegal strategy, when the ballot title was drafted.

This is why the City Council passed a resolution stating its intent to levy only a portion of the rate listed in the ballot measure. What was not mentioned in your editorial is that city officials are working with the Department of Revenue, the state Auditor’s Office, the county assessor-treasurer’s office and an independent attorney specializing in public finance to make sure we are in compliance with all state laws. (Masko is the assistant city administrator for the City of DuPont.)

Originally published: October 12th, 2008 12:57 AM (PDT)