Letter: Gearhart’s fiscal prudence?

Published 12:15 am Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Kathy and I firmly and enthusiastically believe this election to be key to a more fiscally responsible Gearhart. An election centered on the future livability of our residents! The question is why?

The answer is found in a simple review of how our tax dollars have been allocated by the current City Council. Gearhart’s financial story, as published in the city’s 2024-2025 fiscal budget, clearly illustrates the vast majority of our tax dollars have gone to three departments ranked by their level of funding — fire, police and administration. In addition, over 50% of all available tax dollars go to salaries and benefits.

In comparison, little to no monies have been allocated to fund the improvement of our livability. Our council has elected not to make major investments in capital improvements and maintenance of our parks and open spaces, our roads, our water distribution and storage systems, our walkways, our street lighting, our gathering places and, finally, our habitat.

It’s our belief Bob Morey, Pat Roberts and David Savinar understand there’s a current need to make a financial shift from the fear-mongering of the failed resiliency mantra, which is again attempting to justify an estimated $10 million to $15 million mega emergency center. A fiscal shift to a model centered around Gearhart’s livability, which will benefit all taxpayers who bear the burden of the city’s annual tax bill.

KATHY and JACK ZIMMERMAN

Gearhart