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:
- Lawsuits associated with Michelle Belkot’s removal from C-TRAN board in holding patternsTwo lawsuits tied to Councilor Michelle Belkot’s removal from the C-TRAN board are awaiting court dates and could impact a key vote in July.
- Opinion: Rent control was signed into law last week – here’s why it was exactly the wrong thing to doMark Harmsworth criticizes Washington’s new rent control law and warns of long-term damage to the housing market.
- Letter: ‘I have dedicated my life to public service and look to continue my service as a Charter Review Commissioner’Brad Benton announces his candidacy for Charter Review Commissioner, pledging a non-partisan, service-driven approach.
- Vancouver’s Ann Donnelly seeks Charter Review Commission seatAnn Donnelly, a longtime community leader in Vancouver, is running for a seat on the Clark County Charter Review Commission representing District 1, Position 2.
- Leslie Lewallen officially files for re-election to Camas City CouncilLeslie Lewallen launches her re-election campaign for Camas City Council, highlighting key accomplishments and a continued focus on community priorities.
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.