Updated Letter to the Editor: Find out why the City needs more tax money

Ginny Scantlebury has requested that updates be made to her letter, which was published in yesterday's edition.

To the Editor:

Report on Wed, May 18 Financial Sustainability Public Meeting at Richmond Beach Congregational Church, held by City of Shoreline staff.

The meeting was attended by a small group of very interested citizens. John Norris, City Assistant Manager, started the meeting and gave an overview. He shared that our investment in the City covered generally all city services - parks, police, traffic and human services. Then Sara Lane, Administrative Services Director, spelled out the specifics within each area and how much the City spends on an annual basis.

Examples are:

Shoreline Police - $9.5 million; Neighborhoods, $172,000; 24 Hr Customer Response Team, $525,000; Aquatics / Recreation Program $1.69 Million; Parks Maintenance, $1.72 Million.

You'll have to come to the next meeting to get the entire list! The staff did give us ample opportunities to ask questions.

The City estimates that if the levy lift is passed in November, the average homeowner will pay $62 more per year or $5 a month, and any increase for apartment dwellers will depend on the property managers of those properties.

Wouldn't you like to find out why the City needs more tax money from us?

There will be another meeting on Wednesday, May 25th at the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th Street - 7:00-8:30.

Ginny Scantlebury
Shoreline