‘Pay attention’
Pay attention, Eastern Oregon. No one believes in open borders. There is no Antifa organization. There is no Santa Claus.
And on Jan. 6, when the U.S. House reconvenes, your Rep. Cliff Bentz will vote against extending the ACA subsidies. Your insurance costs will skyrocket.
Please consider voting for someone in November who truly has your interests in mind, rather than a toadie only interested in following the White House’s edicts.
Time to pay attention rather than just checking the “R” box. It isn’t your grandparents’ party anymore.
Susan Lannak
Hood River
Tax benefits
According to the Wasco County Assessor’s records, the total assessed value for all five Google data centers is more than $3.4 billion. Of that, more than $3.1 billion is exempt from taxes.
Google currently pays more than $4.7 million. If Google was assessed, the entire value there would be an additional $48 million available.
Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue (MCFR) gets approximately $500,000 in revenue from the Google assessments, of which about $300,000 is from the Phase 1 facility that is no longer subsidized through Enterprise Zone. If MCFR were to receive the full assessed value of all the Google properties, their portion would be more than $5 million. Although the additional revenue from Google has allowed MCFR to expand some of their operational capabilities, they still do not meet the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards for a single family residence structure fire.
Past Enterprise Zone agreements the city and county have made allows for continued annual payments for Phase 2 and 3 of approximately $2 million/year. This revenue goes directly to the city and county. The two new facilities have 50% and 60% annual payments due in the form of a Community Service Fee (CSF) and a Guaranteed Annual Payment (GAP). These offset some of what Google would be paying in tax assessments; however, the majority of these payments go to the city and county in addition to the $2 million/year. MCFR will see increased revenue of around $400,000/year per new facility for their portion of the CSF and actual tax revenue. The GAP amount of around $5 million/year will go to the city and county, not the other taxing districts.
If MCFR were to receive the full assessed value of the Google facilities, they could meet the NFPA standards for residential structure fires and have the capacity to improve and enhance the level of services to the community as a whole. Each taxing district would also benefit from increased revenues, including the library, soil and water, Parks, 4-H, port and the schools. Of course, the city and county would still get their share, but not a disproportionate share.
David Jacobs
The Dalles
Port duplicity
On Dec. 22, the port sent out an email saying, “We are doing our best to show you complete transparency with open doors and clear communication.” There was no mention of the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) that port commissioners and staff signed so that the public could not be informed during the months of negotiations with Amazon. Knowing that residents would prefer development at the Hanel Mill site in Odell that favors local business who could not pay as much, the port wrapped itself in a cloak of secrecy handily provided by one of the world’s wealthiest corporations.
The port has become the worst kind of developer, caring only about money for themselves as an entity.
Chris Robuck
Hood River
Peace for family
During this holiday season, I enjoyed time with Ramona Tamiyasu and friends. We laughed, told stories, ate delicious homemade treats, and made crafts. At this time of year, families and friends especially miss those who can no longer join them. I reflected on the absence of Ramona’s brother, Eric, taken so tragically from her family by the brutal and still unsolved murder 25 years ago. The time has long since passed for a thorough reinvestigation of this crime to take place. Fresh eyes may cast new light on the potential errors on the original handling of the case and perhaps new avenues lead to justice, long overdue. May the new year bring peace and resolution to the Tamiyasu family.
Shannon Perry
Hood River
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