Editor’s note: Rebecca Olness is mayor of Black Diamond, but she is writing this letter as a private citizen, not an elected official.
Voters in Black Diamond have an important decision to make on April 27. They must decide if they want continued police and fire protection, quick emergency response, marine patrol on Lake Sawyer, DARE program, K-9 drug program, and public education. A no vote will dramatically cut and/or eliminate these vital services.
The April 27 special levy is not a new tax, but is a replacement for a portion of the public safety funding that will be eliminated when the current levy expires in 2011. If approved, this proposition will authorize the city to levy a total property tax rate of $2.57 per $1000 of assessed valuation for the sole purpose of funding police, fire and emergency services. Yes, these are hard financial times, but we cannot afford to jeopardize the safety and welfare of our citizens.
Black Diamond currently has a faster response time and a much lower crime rate than surrounding areas. I believe we have the finest police and fire departments in the state. Please let them continue to protect our residents by supporting Public Safety Levy Proposition No. 1. Vote yes to keep Black Diamond homes and families safe!
Rebecca Olness,
Mayor
Black Diamond
