Editor,

The recent Whidbey News-Times article, “Property Values Rise 20 percent,” was not accurate about changes in assessed valuations, or AVs, in Island County or how property taxes fund local government in Washington.

First, property values in a few neighborhoods within Island County increased by that amount, but the overall increase within the county was much less. For example, within the area served by Central Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue, AVs rose 3.9 percent.

Second, taxes do not increase by the same amount as property values. Taxes will increase when voters approve funding measures during an election. However, the regular property tax levy is limited to an increase of 1 percent for counties, cities, school, hospital and fire districts, like ours.

Furthermore, increases in AVs result in a decrease in the levy rate to maintain funding levels.

If the levy rate reaches its statutory cap, funding for public services is decreased and can result in a reduction in emergency services.

I hope this clears up any confusion. We appreciate the support of our community, and I am available anytime to talk about how emergency services are funded.

Chief Ed Hartin

Central Whidbey Fire & Rescue