||| FROM KAT BERNARD for ORCAS FIRE COMMISSION |||
The Board of Fire Commissioners will hold a SPECIAL MEETING on Monday, August 14th, at 11:00 a.m. online via Zoom and in-person at the Fire Hall, 45 Lavender Ln, Eastsound, WA.
The Zoom call can be accessed on the attached Agenda.
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The Zoom meeting has just concluded. One of the strangest public meeting I’ve ever attended or listened to.
Discussion was first centered on modifying the recently voted on fire levy to a temporary 6 year levy. Rate increase would be the same 82%. The was decided by County legal authority to not be permitted apparently just prior to the meeting. Motion not to consider that option.
Next motion, decision to keep the existing 10 year permanent increase on the ballot (same as was soundly defeated in the primary) was unanimously approved commissioners.
No discussion on what continuing the same defeated ballot measure again for the general election is going to cost taxpayers.
Chat comment on the Zoom call were cut off after public comment period ended. Never seen that happen in ANY public government meeting before, so fire district gets no immediate feedback on what the public attending thought of their unanimous vote.
Robert,
Yes, “strange” is an apt description of what occurred in todays meeting.
A couple of things … it’s not possible to have a “ ten year” levy and a “permanent “ levy be the same thing.
There is no “ten year” wording in Proposition One. It’s permanent.. like.. forever. We would never be able to vote on it again … ever!!
Also, this board was told before last week’s meeting by the elections office AND the Prosecuting Attorneys office that NO CHANGES could be made. You may fact check this with Kamolyn at the elections department. 360-378-3357
“Strange” is the perfect word to describe the charade that went on in the past two meetings.
In my opinion. Orcas Fire is going to attempt to use more fear to get the money. After Maui. Why not scare us islanders into getting millions. Probably think it’s in the bag. It’s not.