With Prop. 1, just like magic, money disappears

Magic is intriguing, mysterious and confusing. It leaves you wondering how the trick was done.

Proposition 1 will be on the November ballot to create Olympia Metropolitan Park District. If approved, the City Council will have powers, as given by state law, to impose a tax up to $0.75 per $1,000 of assessed property value. If passed, the City Council will set the levy rate after the election. This tax will never expire, unless like magic, the council decides they have enough money and dissolve it. If you want endless higher property taxes, then this one is for you!

The current inventory holds 45 parks totaling 1,015 acres and options to purchase two more properties - one adjoining LBA Park and one behind the Ken Lake development. The city paid roughly $400,000 up front for purchase agreements on them. Consider the ongoing cost to develop and maintain those along with the 45 existing facilities.

Will our government ever have enough money and not want more?

One could escape the tax by moving outside the city limits and then use the vast network of Olympia parks at no cost. Renters in Olympia might think the tax has no effect. Will your landlord be able to absorb the property tax increase without passing on the cost? Prepare for higher rents.

I am beginning to understand how magic works. You decide on how more of your money will disappear. I am voting no on Prop. 1.

This story was originally published September 18, 2015 at 8:37 AM with the headline "With Prop. 1, just like magic, money disappears."