The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
Local View: Voter-approved bond best for Stronger Vancouver
By Bart Hansen
Published: October 20, 2019, 6:01am
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Stronger Vancouver is a city-sponsored deliberative process currently underway in our community by which city leadership and stakeholders are evaluating the “needs and wants” for a future Vancouver and how to fund them. The proposed additional taxes and fees are intended to address Vancouver’s projected deficit. Information on “Stronger Vancouver” is available at the city’s website.
The city’s current proposal also explores several ways to increase revenues. These options range from a combination of increasing property tax, increasing the employee surcharge tax, a new admissions tax, increasing the vehicle license tab fees, increasing parks impact fees, increasing the utility tax and increasing water rates. These increases will potentially impact every citizen.
While the downtown business community considered creating a Business Improvement District in which additional taxes could be raised, they ultimately rejected it. Additional funding by way of a new business and occupation tax was also considered but was recently taken off the table by the City Council.
The most important issues are, in my view, who decides on the “needs and wants” and who decides on how to pay for them. We have all had the experience of wanting something, only to change our minds upon learning the cost. Our citizens are, therefore, best served if their choices about these items are made when they also have the information as to the cost.
There are two principal ways by which these decisions will be made. One is council-manic whereby the City Council makes the choices, presumably reflecting public input, and then decides how to fund them.
The second way is by a citizen vote. I am not talking about a poll on a website which does not provide an opportunity for all to have a voice. Rather, I propose a bond issue vote on Election Day with a list of “needs and wants” clearly stated and their associated total price tag.
Citizens should understand the specific financial impacts they will bear if approved. Importantly, the money raised by bonds stays in dedicated accounts specific to the projects for which they are intended instead of being commingled in the city’s General Fund.
Citizens’ needs, wants
The future outlook for Vancouver has never been better and it is on the verge of becoming the most welcoming place for business in the Pacific Northwest. Vancouver offers an amazing quality of life. The reason this growth is happening is not only the quality of life but our carefully formulated tax structures. Regardless of our additional choices, we must maintain funding for our core essential services, i.e. police and fire.
While tax structures in nearby communities are less attractive to new business and appear to be working to push existing businesses out, Vancouver should be inviting them in. Any tax that hits gross receipts will threaten small business. Increasing our utility rates will have a negative impact on Vancouver’s largest employers as well as citizens in general.
In my opinion, a voter-approved bond provides a commitment between the city and Vancouver’s citizens as to where their tax dollars will be spent and is the best way to address Vancouver’s “needs and wants.”
Let’s trust our citizens to provide us the initial guidance at the polls on those “needs and wants.” They are the ones who will be paying for them.
Bart Hansen has served on the Vancouver City Council since 2010 and is mayor pro-tem.
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