Editor,

With my many years as a senior budget analyst for city, state and federal governments, I can tell when things are off track in financial management. That is my take on the North Whidbey Fire and Rescue District financial situation.

Why would an agency that for years showed good stewardship and careful financial planning suddenly deplete its reserves and come asking for approval for a 46 percent increase in its operating levy? The new chief seems to have gone overboard with spending, and then wants more money to hire more full-time staff and buy more new equipment. What has changed to bring this about, when past management ran a good fire district with adequate staffing and adequate equipment?

With the requested increase in levy rate, on increasing assessed property values, the district would have cash pouring in. That is an invitation to unnecessary spending. Why is that necessary? The district should live within its means. Empire building in bureaucracy does not benefit the public, only those in the system.

An outside agency should analyze what is going on and report to the public before this huge funding increase creates unwanted problems. We can revisit the true need for a lower levy once we learn the facts. The requested increase is not warranted, in my opinion. Vote NO on this measure!

Grace Hsu

Oak Harbor