Camas resident Gary Perman encourages others to vote NO on RFA Proposition 1 in Camas-Washougal
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com
If you vote for the RFA, here’s what changes:

- New taxing authority will take $1.05 per $1,000 of assessed home value—costing you $300-$1,000 per year.
- They can raise taxes by 3% annually starting in 2026—without your vote. (new WA. Legislation)
- Camas plans to borrow millions to loan to the RFA at below-market interest rates, costing taxpayers even more.
What doesn’t change?
- Same firefighters, equipment, and leadership.
- The new firehouse and EMS levy you’re already paying for aren’t included in the RFA.
- The same city council that led the current business model will lead the new RFA.
Does this make financial sense?
No responsible financial advisor would recommend taking out a loan just to lend it to another person at below-market rates. Yet, that’s exactly what Camas plans to do.
Camas can’t afford to properly fund police equipment upgrades, according to the proponents of the defeated Utility tax increase in February, but they CAN afford to borrow money to subsidize a new taxing authority? This model doesn’t add up—and it’s the taxpayers who will foot the bill.
Vote NO on RFA Proposition 1 in Camas Washougal.
Gary Perman
Camas
Also read:
- Opinion: An unacceptable tax burdenNancy Churchill outlines new tax proposals in Washington state, warning of growing burdens on working families amid budget shortfalls and government overspending.
- POLL: Is it time for new leadership at Vancouver City Hall?A new weekly poll asks whether Vancouver voters should prioritize replacing the mayor and city council in the 2025 election.
- Opinion: How will the majority party’s new budget and tax proposals affect you?Rep. John Ley critiques the state’s proposed 2025-27 budgets, warning of record-breaking tax hikes and economic impacts.
- 18th District lawmakers ensure vital funding for projects in SW Washington are included in proposed 2025-27 House capital budgetLawmakers in the 18th District secured over $5.6 million in proposed funding for projects in Vancouver and Battle Ground under the 2025-27 House capital budget.
- Bill amending parents’ rights initiative passes another hurdle in the WA HouseESSB 5181, a bill modifying Washington’s parents’ rights initiative, advances amid sharp debate over student autonomy and parental access to information.
As hard as it is to admit we have a problem and need a solutiuon. These cities should not be in the fire business and the interlocal agreement is not working.
Garry what is your alternative? Keep going the same route making decisions between two separate councils, two cities with different budgets and needs? Love to hear your thoughts on a solution. Your changes listed our misleading and ill-informed.