Last Town Hall Meeting with Councilman Fralick

Orcas West Council Member Richard Fralick will retire on January 1, 2013. His seat will be taken by Rick Hughes.

By Margie Doyle

Orcas East Council Member Patty Miller choked up a bit as she bade farewell to her comrade Richard Fralick of Orcas West at the Orcas Town Hall Meeting on Nov. 19.  She thanked him for his leadership on the County Council, and noted his integrity and work ethic. Saying it was “an amazing privilege to work with Richard” she described his work in implementing a reserve fund and a rainy day fund, and for his even-handed navigation through the Critical Areas Ordinance update process, as well as for his assistance in the Solid Waste Disposal issues.

“Money will always be an issue, but hopefully, we’re seeing signs of recovery,” Fralick said. The  2013  budget is set at $51 million, with $14.8 million in the general fund, the workhorse of the budget.” The 2013 draft budget adds $90,000 to the rainy day fund.

With the implementation of budget-balanced software, county financial planning can project through 2020.  Fralick says that in 2014, government will grow faster than revenues. “The challenge is matching the revenue stream with desired services,” he said.

Fralick also called attention to the fact that the Orcas Island property tax evaluation process will be re-evaluated annually, after a four-year “freeze” at top-end 2008 values. Projections estimate that property owners will see 30.6 %  reduction in assessed valuation. Also adding to the healthier economic picture is construction industry measure of the sales tax revenue, now comprising 30.99%. In 2008, the construction revenue amount was 40% of county income.

Fralick advised that next year, there be “Community Conversations” to  envision, plan and budget the next four years. The Levy Lid Lift, which provided for services stipulated by the community, was passed in 2009  and expires in 2015. “We have to be focused on what services are important to county citizens.”

In response to a question as to how the ordinary citizen can make their voices heard, Fralick advised those at the Town Hall to “impress your priorities to your representatives.”

Miller added,  “Now more than ever with the transitions the county is facing, please make sure the three new council members coming in January know of your opinions in many issues.”

“Long term budget stability is the goal,” said Fralick, ” and using the six-year planning horizon, the county expects to avoid a budget crisis every year.”