HomeMy WebLinkAbout12City of Port Townsend
A History Lesson
I have a half-written description of voted bonds, junior taxing districts, annexations, banked ca-
pacity, etc. nearly ready for a newsletter. But as I sit here on Thanksgiving morning working on
the last newsletter for 2012 I'm thinking about what I have learned in the course of being mayor
for nearly a year.
In his book Steep Trails John Muir wrote: “Port Townsend is charmingly located, wide bright waters on one
side, flowing evergreen woods on the other. The streets are well laid out and well tended, and the houses,
with their luxuriant gardens about them, have an air of taste and refinement seldom found in towns set on
the edge of a wild forest. The people seem to have come here to make true homes, attracted by the beauty
and fresh breezy healthfulness of the place as well as by business advantages, trusting to natural growth
and advancement instead of restless "booming" methods. They perhaps have caught some of the spirit of
calm moderation and enjoyment from their English neighbors across the water. Of late, however, this sober
tranquility has begun to give way, some whiffs from the whirlwind of real estate speculation up the Sound
having at length touched the town and ruffled the surface of its calmness.” It was 1918.
Please take a look at the following table. This is a ten-year history of some locally relevant statistics since
2001 The first two columns are for the years 2001 and 2006. The third column is the difference between the
first two as a percentage. The next to last column is the same for 2006 and 2011. The final column is the
percentage difference of the values over the ten years. The table omits several consequential changes that
have occurred in 2012: The assessment of the unincorporated area of the county dropped nearly 13%. The
PT property tax levy in 2011 included the library lid lift of 2008 but not the fire lid lift that was approved in
2011. And sales tax revenue to the City is over-reported by the amount that was miscoded by a vendor and
mistakenly allocated to City instead of the County beginning in 2003.
First Night
December 31, 6 - 9 p.m.
www.jchsmuseum.org
Inflation for the period is about 27%. Much of what cost twenty bucks in 2011 we could get for $15.74 in 2001. But
the cost of some things we all need, gas and health care, grew much faster. The per-capita income in Port Town-
send did not quite keep pace with inflation, but bear in mind that income does not track people living on of savings
or investments. In the last ten years the population of Port Townsend grew by only seven and three-quarters per-
cent, whereas in the county overall it was eleven and a half. Since the County figure includes Port Townsend it
grew even faster in the unincorporated area than the numbers indicate. The cost to buy a house increased dramati-
cally over the period and property tax revenues collected by the City increased 123%. My property taxes increased
38.7% during the period, about half again as much as inflation, but, constrained by statute, not nearly as much as
the assessed value of my house, which doubled. (cont’d)
(360) 379-5047 (email: citycouncil@cityofpt.us) www.cityofpt.us December 2012
PT Lodging Tax Revenue $258,922 $331,679 28.10% $350,930 5.80% 35.54%
20012006%Diff-5Yr2011%Diff-5Yr%Diff-10Yrs
General Conditions
Inflation$15.74$17.9213.85%$20.0011.61%27.06%
Gas$1.46$2.5977.40%$3.6039.00%146.58%
Health Insurance Costs-Individual$2,689$4,24257.75%$5,42927.98%101.90%
Health Insurance Costs-Family$7,061$11,48062.58%$15,07331.30%113.47%
Local Conditions
Port Townsend Per Capita Income$22,395$25,86915.51%$27,1825.08%21.38%
Port Townsend Population8,4749,0687.01%9,1290.67%7.73%
Port Townsend Assessed Value$598,546,125$1,156,702,59593.25%$1,463,343,40526.51%144.48%
Jefferson County Population26,83629,1448.60%29,9242.68%11.51%
Jefferson County Assessed Value$1,846,496,735$2,461,006,60733.28%$3,957,917,01560.83%114.35%
Example House Value $150,333 $261,99274.27%$300,00014.51%99.56%
Property Tax Rate$11.31$8.81-22.08%$8.44-4.20%-25.36%
Taxes and Revenues
Property Tax on Example Home $1,826 $2,30926.44%$2,5339.69%38.70%
PT Real Estate Excise Tax Revenue$258,391$531,486105.69%$172,446-67.55%-33.26%
PT B&O Tax Revenue$354,150$622,30575.72%$644,3303.54%81.94%
PT Property Tax Revenue$1,335,308$1,615,09920.95%$2,979,952 84.51%123.17%
PT Sales Tax Revenue$1,262,232$1,578,98425.09%$1,692,6607.20%34.10%
The table confirms a familiar story. A lot of expensive homes were sold, built or remodeled during the period.
People settled here who could afford to, often because they'd been successful somewhere else. We are bet-
ter for their arrival. The enormous array of for-profit and not-for-profit organizations supported by our commu-
nity is testimony to the energy, creativity, perseverance and financial capacity of residents willing to come to-
gether in a variety of ways to contribute to their community. But we became an older, on average, community
as well.
Real estate excise tax revenues document the bubble that was already well underway in 2001. They double
between 2001 and 2006 while today they are a fraction of what they were ten years ago and we suffer from
the pressure that it puts on local government. But real estate values are beginning to rebound. Though we are
unlikely to reach the lofty heights of 2006 right away we will never be free of the “whirlwind of real estate
speculation.” There are simply not very many places this nice to live.
How should this history inform our future?
Consolidation and Collaboration – not Competition
We are no longer “on the edge of a wild forest” or at least the edge is farther away. The city remains the eco-
nomic engine for the county and we continue to account for the majority of sales tax collected overall. But
more of us live outside the City than inside. Shipwrights in the Boat Haven live in the County. Business own-
ers in Glen Cove live in the City. And taken all together we are still pretty much out here by ourselves on this
glorious corner of a peninsula on a peninsula. So the efforts to efficiently provide for community services and
amenities we all use, to preserve and create family-wage jobs, and the perennial struggle to provide afforda-
ble housing are largely up to us.
Schools, libraries, broadband availability, pools, parks, sewers, sidewalks and other amenities make our com-
munity an attractive place to work, to raise a family and to retire, and are benefits for current as well as pro-
spective residents. A larger tax base can afford these services beyond the means of a smaller one and there
are efficiencies to be gained from economies of scale and reducing duplication of services used by all citi-
zens. Without ignoring or glossing over the issues between jurisdictions and taxing districts that arise from
their mandates, and mindful of cultural differences that might trump purely economic ones, an overarching
goal must be to identify what services and benefits are wanted and have broad support and how we can
achieve them in the most efficient and fairest manner for our common community. Efforts to realize savings or
address needs currently being looked at by elected leaders and citizens include continued consolidation
through annexation with the fire district and formation of a Metropolitan Park District.
It’s All About the Work
We do a good job promoting Port Townsend as a place to visit. With lodging tax revenue dedicated to this
purpose we have excellent people obtaining good value for that money. But it has been my direct experience
for more than thirty-five years that this is also a great place to live and work. I came here for marine trades
and have benefited from the community’s dedication to, and investment in, a working waterfront. Though not
a path to great wealth Alice and I have been able to live comfortably and raise a son among friends. I have as
often started my own businesses as gone to work for someone else. It's just the right distance from Seattle –
far enough out to be exempt from traffic jams, but close enough to get deliveries the following day (assuming
they have it in Seattle or Tacoma). I bicycle to work and we walk to the movies or the store.
I want to help acknowledge and nurture other businesses, like our nascent high-tech light industrial economy
developing in Glen Cove and the PT industrial park, that will provide adequate incomes and rewarding ca-
reers to families that can live here.
Affordable Housing - Again
The flat income and rising housing cost statistics verify that we are an economically polarized community. I
see this every day as an employer. Non-profits like OLYCAP and Habitat for Humanities labor ceaselessly on
behalf of the less advantaged. But providing an adequate inventory of affordable housing in an environment
of rising real estate values has always been one of our greatest challenges.
All Together Now
None of this functions in isolation. Access to education and training is the ladder out of poverty. Roads, sew-
ers and the availability of developable land helps local businesses grow and stay local. Local transit options
and a walkable community draw people to live in the City. Stewardship of our natural, cultural and historical
resources preserves those values for those who come after us. Everything takes time and money. Collabora-
tion and moderation are not simple and in our pursuit of “true homes” one local resource that will be in no
danger of short supply is criticism. Getting the benefit of the doubt should be equally abundant and made
available to all.
Found Property
Found property is held by the Port
Townsend Police Department for 60 days. Call
385-2322 Monday-Friday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. with proof
of ownership.
City of Port Townsend
(360) 379-5047 (email: citycouncil@cityofpt.us) www.cityofpt.us December 2012
City Development Services Department
Beginning on Monday, December 3, the Development Services Depart-
ment (DSD) counter on the third floor of City Hall will be closed daily
from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. We remain available to serve you from 8
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If questions, call (360) 379-5095 (formerly 379-5082.) If you leave a message, staff will return
your call within 24 hours. The inspection line number to call before 3 p.m. for a next day inspec-
tion remains (360) 385-2294.
Citizen Volunteer Opportunities
Consider applying today for vacancies on the
following Citizen Advisory Boards, Commit-
tees, and Commissions. See the city website
for committee descriptions, application, and
meeting schedules or contact the City Clerk’s
Office at 360-379-5083 for an application.
Arts Commission
Civil Service Commission
Library Advisory Committee
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Nonmotorized Transportation Advisory Board
PEG Access Coordinating Committee
Library Advisory Board
Planning Commission
Three Stars Again for the PT Library!
Great News!! The PT Library has been
awarded, for the second year in a row, a
three star rating from Library Journal’s Index
of Public Library Service 2012. This is a
measurement tool that compares U.S. public li-
braries on the services they deliver. This year,
262 libraries received Star designations based on
their service output with Port Townsend being one
of four libraries designated in Washington State.
Congratulations to the library staff whose contin-
ued hard work has earned this three star rating
once again!
The November 1, 2012 issue of the Library Journal is available
online at www.libraryjournal.com.
Texters Welcome on Jefferson Transit!
Texting while you travel is just one of the
many benefits of riding with Jefferson Transit!
You are free to text, read a good book, or
even watch a movie on your laptop as
we take you safely to your destination.
You can get from Port Townsend to the Sea-
Tac Airport for as little as $6.25 when you
travel by bus and light rail, and taking the bus
to the Kingston Ferry or Olympia costs as lit-
tle as $3.50. Our friendly Customer Service
Representatives can help you plan your trip
from start to finish. For more information, call
385-4777 or visit www.jeffersontransit.com.
Honoring the Dark, Waking the Light:
An Evening of Story and Myth
Wednesday, December 19, 7 p.m. at the
Carnegie Library, 1220 Lawrence St.
In this evening performance, local storyteller Brian
Rohr will engage the audience in the ancient tra-
dition of myth-telling. Share myths and stories
that celebrate the themes of darkness, light, crea-
tion and winter solstice. All ages welcome!
City offices will be closed December 24 & 25
and January 1, 2013 to observe the holidays.
Take care if you are travelling and we hope you enjoy
the warmth of the holidays with friends and family.
Port Townsend Main Street Events
Saturday, December 1 - Caroling,
Tree Lighting & Santa Visit
Starting at 2 p.m. there will be caroling in the
streets by the Wild Rose Chorale. Santa will ar-
rive by Engine No. 3, Port Townsend’s vintage
white fire truck, at Haller Fountain, Washington &
Taylor Streets, for the tree lighting at 4:30 p.m.
December 1 (by 12 noon) is the last day to enter
the local Shopping Sweepstakes - two $500 priz-
es awarded in local merchant gift certificates will
be drawn later that day at the tree lighting. Enter
at participating merchants.
December 15 from 1-8 p.m. Gilded Age
Yuletide Salon, 1007 Water St. (Flagship Land-
ing), will have caroling, readings, refreshments
plus a visit from Father Christmas!
December 17-23. Many shops open each even-
ing until 7 p.m.
December 31. First Night Celebration coordi-
nated by Jefferson Museum of Art and History
will start at 6 p.m. in the Civic District
(www.jchsmuseum.org.)
2012 Port Townsend ornament features the
“Salish Sea Circle” (copyright G. Tsutakawa).
Limited edition collectible Port Townsend orna-
ments will be on sale this season in select
shops—add these to your collection! Proceeds
benefit the Port Townsend Main Street Program,
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the health of
the historic districts.
Countdown to contribute to the Main Street
Tax Incentive Program--Deadline December
31! Join other local businesses in putting a por-
tion of your state B&O taxes to work right here in
Port Townsend and receive a 75% tax credit on
your 2013 state B&O taxes. Contributions must
be received by December 31, 2012 to be eligible
for the tax credits in 2013. Send your contribution
to the Port Townsend Main Street Program, 211
Taylor Street, #3, Port Townsend, WA 98368.
Wondering what to do with your
Christmas tree after the holidays?
Residents have two options:
#1. City of Port Townsend curbside
recycling customers can place their trees out
for regular yard waste pickup December 26-
28 and January 7-11. If your tree is over 4
feet tall, please cut it in half before you place
it out for pick-up. Trees need to be clean -
no flocked trees will be accepted; all tinsel,
ornaments, and wood stands must be re-
moved prior to recycling of the tree. Other-
wise they will be collected as garbage at the
standard fee. #2. You can self-haul your trees to the City’s
Biosolids Composting Facility, located at the
Jefferson County Waste Management Facility
off Jacob Miller Road. There is a minimum
charge of $5.00 or $48/ton if over 200 lbs. to
drop off yard debris at this site. It is open
Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Jefferson Country Environmental Health
Presents
Waste and Toxic-Free Holiday Open House!
*FREE*
Friday, December 14, 4-8 p.m.
Saturday, December 15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cotton Building, 607 Water St.
Are your children’s or grandchildren’s holiday
toys contaminated with lead? Come
and make certain the gifts you give or
have are lead free! On site will be a
hand held, xrf (x-ray florescence) analyzer, that
safely and accurately tests for the presence of
lead on toys. *Bring up to 3 toys per person*
In addition, there will be a demonstration
of waste free holiday wrapping and decorating.
Make your own recycled wrapping paper!
“Christmas in Radio Land”
PT Shorts will present a free 1 hour
production of classic radio comedy
Saturday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m.
at the Pope Marine Park Building.
Join the fun! Skits will include:
- Fibber McGee and Molly - Our Miss Brooks
- Baby Snooks and Daddy - Vic and Sade
- Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy