Have you noticed the troubling wave of store closures in Port Angeles?
Recently, it was announced that Rite Aid on Highway 101 will be shutting down, followed by news of Big Lots also closing.
In the Safeway shopping center, off Highway 101, two more storefronts now sit empty.
Additionally, in August, McKinley Paper will cease operations, likely causing significant ripple effects throughout our community.
Adding to these concerns are the proposed property tax assessments on this year’s ballot.
The hospital is proposing a 75 cents per $1000 increase in assessed value.
Propositions 1 and 2 could add another $2 per $1000, with the school levy threatening further hikes.
Similar increases three years ago forced many residents to sell their homes and retirees to return to work to make ends meet.
The average home value in Port Angeles is $425,000.
These proposed increases would mean at least an additional $1,700 annually.
On top of that, state, county, road, port, library and metro park assessments would total approximately $1,961 by my calculations.
This cumulative increase, without factoring in potential property value reassessments, represents a staggering 45 percent rise in our taxes.
Can our community sustain such significant financial burdens?
Perhaps it’s time to reassess how these organizations are managed to ensure they are maximizing the use of the funds they already receive.
If the county’s aim is to drive out businesses and property owners, current trends suggest they may be achieving that goal all too effectively.
Jayne Fagan
Port Angeles