However you slice it, the regional fire authority vote, passed by 72 percent of voters in April 2010, did result in a net gain in the city’s general fund. This was always the intention. I supported the vote both for the future stability of the fire department, and for the benefit to the city’s recession-wracked budget. On Feb. 16, 2010, the city council endorsed the RFA vote – unanimously.
During city budget discussions in late 2010, council member (Ron) Harmon repeatedly called attention to the additional revenues. Ultimately, the council voted to put these revenues to important uses such as increased street paving and fully staffing the police department. Almost half of the money was put into reserves. This was all done in open meetings with public hearings.
Jim Berrios, my friend with whom I have volunteered alongside at many community events, argues that more attention should have been given to the city budget during the campaign last spring. It is important to note that the issue was never concealed and nothing unethical occurred. Council member (Jamie) Perry stated at least twice on camera during council meetings that this measure would raise taxes. In public and private conversations I had leading up to the vote, I alerted folks that the total property tax burden would increase if the RFA passed.
Mr. Berrios has described several people, possibly including me, as telling him the situation was “unethical.” Let me be clear on this: elected officials and all of government must strive to be open, honest and accountable. If legitimate questions, such as Mr. Berrios and other raised this spring, result in denial and finger pointing, that is unacceptable and yes, unethical.
At this point, the question before the council is how we will meet the needs of our residents and businesses, while fairly evaluating the tax burden. I’d like people to understand that a cut of $4.9 million dollars is not possible without taking a hatchet to essential services. At the same time we are having this discussion, many people are contacting the city with concerns over streets, parks and public safety. Our streets are in serious disrepair – do we really want to reduce maintenance from already very low levels? The biggest line item by far in the general fund is the police department – an area I am personally unwilling to cut at this time. These are the issues we will have to decide in the next few weeks.
My door is open – I will always take the time to listen, to study, to prioritize, to look for efficiency, and to explain my thinking, in an effort to improve the city of Kent.
Dennis Higgins
City Council member
Kent
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