Gary Perman says ‘Camas can fix its mismanagement in other ways besides creating a new taxing authority’
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and may not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
Over the past few weeks, my inbox has been overflowing with messages from Camas and Washougal residents:
“Didn’t we already vote this down?”
“Yes we did. No still means no.”
“So why is it back on the ballot? Do they think we’re stupid?”
The Money Trail
The firefighters’ union is pouring serious cash and manpower into promoting this measure and that alone should make taxpayers pause. When a special-interest group spends heavily to “educate” voters, it’s rarely about safety. It’s about securing bigger budgets and long-term control.
You’ve probably heard the sales pitch: “It’s only the cost of a weekly cup of coffee.”
Here’s what they don’t tell you:
- Only 2% of all fire calls are actual structure fires.
- A single 2017 safety fine cost $4,800 for not having a second fire truck at a house fire – not “millions.”
- The RFA doesn’t expand coverage, add services, or hire more staff on $1.05/$1,000
- Creating the RFA adds another taxing authority, one that can (and will) raise your taxes.
In fact, a taxpayer-funded survey found that 87% of residents are satisfied with fire services, and 90% are satisfied with EMS. Clearly, the fire system isn’t broken.
What’s Actually Changing?
Not the service.
Not the management.
Not the leadership.
Just the tax burden.
Here’s what that looks like for Camas taxpayers:
| Tax Component | Rate per $1,000 |
|---|---|
| RFA Tax | $1.05 |
| Camas City Tax | $1.90 (current) |
| EMS Levy | $0.46 |
| Fire Building Levy | $0.20 |
| Minus City Tax | –$0.71* |
| Total | $2.90 |
Average Camas home value: $731,000
→ $2.90 × 731 = $2,119.90 per year
The actual cost of fire services, according to the City’s Director of Finance, is $0.88 per $1,000. Yet the Council, advised by both the Director and the City Administrator, voted to return only $0.71 per $1,000 effectively creating double taxation for residents.
Same staff. Same leadership. Same service. Higher taxes.
No increase in emergency coverage.
No expansion of services.
Same management running the show.
The only thing expanding is the government’s ability to tax you more, automatically by 1% per year, plus a likely new levy within two years of the RFA’s creation to ask you for MORE money.
Camas can fix its mismanagement in other ways besides creating a new taxing authority.
Gary Perman
concerned taxpayer
Camas/Washougal
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