Editor,

Oak Harbor considers creating a taxing district for roads (April 28 Whidbey News-Times article).

Our streets and roads are deteriorating. The city does not have the funds to do the required paving. Before we set up another taxing authority, we should look at what we can cut out of the existing budget.

I propose closing the city jail. As a fourth-class city, the county is required to provide jail services to Oak Harbor. This alone will save over a million dollars and pay to pave our streets and roads.

I plead for the city council to act financially prudent. You got here by contracting for a Cadillac sewer plant that was more than we needed.

Patrick Harman

Oak Harbor