Camas is growing, and the resources required to keep our city safe are increasing too. Camas Proposition 5 addresses a gap in police funding by proposing a utility tax.
Recently, the Camas City Council passed a resolution to provide public safety resources through a Utility Business and Occupation Tax that is now being put to voters in the form of Proposition 5. The proposition is expected to generate approximately $1 million annually through a 4% tax on municipal water, sewer, and stormwater services. This would raise the existing 2% utility tax up to a 6% rate. All revenue raised from this tax will go towards addressing public safety concerns.
The proposed utility tax would cover the hiring of two new sergeants, a patrol lieutenant, and an additional officer as well as equipment, vehicles, uniforms, and training costs. The political right is outspoken about the need to provide local police with sufficient funding, but Camas local conservatives are more interested in redirecting funding from existing other public goods like libraries and roads. By passing this tax, we can protect funding for other community programs and services while keeping our neighborhoods safe.
Although we have concerns about increasing regressive taxes to raise public revenue, this proposition will ensure our city has the resources and services to meet our community's needs. Vote Yes on City of Camas Proposition 5.
Camas is growing, and the resources required to keep our city safe are increasing too. Camas Proposition 5 addresses a gap in police funding by proposing a utility tax.
Recently, the Camas City Council passed a resolution to provide public safety resources through a Utility Business and Occupation Tax that is now being put to voters in the form of Proposition 5. The proposition is expected to generate approximately $1 million annually through a 4% tax on municipal water, sewer, and stormwater services. This would raise the existing 2% utility tax up to a 6% rate. All revenue raised from this tax will go towards addressing public safety concerns.
The proposed utility tax would cover the hiring of two new sergeants, a patrol lieutenant, and an additional officer as well as equipment, vehicles, uniforms, and training costs. The political right is outspoken about the need to provide local police with sufficient funding, but Camas local conservatives are more interested in redirecting funding from existing other public goods like libraries and roads. By passing this tax, we can protect funding for other community programs and services while keeping our neighborhoods safe.
Although we have concerns about increasing regressive taxes to raise public revenue, this proposition will ensure our city has the resources and services to meet our community's needs. Vote Yes on City of Camas Proposition 5.
