LETTER: Levy increase based on predictions, VIFR would be fine with lower rate

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, October 31, 2017

For the record: I support fully funding the proposed hiring of all the staff, replacement of all the vehicles, addressing all deferred maintenance and building the reserve as soon as possible, in accordance with Charles Krimmert’s recommendations.

I was one of the few islanders who attended the levy discussion meetings, during which I voiced my concerns on numerous occasions. I requested a copy of the 2017 budget and researched alternatives to the proposed funding sources to determine whether the proposed levy was reasonable. As someone who has been analyzing financial statements in my career for more than 30 years, I can say it is not.

As The Beachcomber can attest, I delayed publicizing my findings and agreed to even support the levy if VIFR Chief Charlie Krimmert would meet with me and provide a budget that showed the proposed levy was the only course of action. This meeting never occurred because VIFR only recently began preparing its budget. Its completion is not due until after the election. Really?

Contrary to Marcia Crews’ letter in last week’s Beachcomber (“Fire district not asking for too much,” Oct. 25), Krimmert’s budget analysis did not show a need for a $1.50 levy because there was no budget to analyze. None. The chief provided estimates. I would have thought the commissioners would have demanded more than estimates before proposing an 87 percent increase in our taxes.

I support VIFR and the need to greatly increase its levy. However, someone has yet to provide documentation that this most important task cannot be accomplished with a $1.38 levy and no 6 percent annual increases. Tell the commissioners to send us a reasonable levy. Vote “no” on Proposition 1.

— Scott Harvey