Now is not the time to annex. Renton’s heavy dependence on sales tax combined with historically low tax revenues has resulted in continual budget shortfalls. Fairwood’s tax dollars will help to backfill Renton’s ongoing budget shortfalls, rather than funding needed improvements in Fairwood.
Annexation to Renton will result in new taxes.
• 6% utility tax on your electricity, gas, cable, home and cellular phones, garbage, internet, etc.
• Additional taxation to build two new libraries. You already pay for the Fairwood library through existing bond measures.
Fairwood loses control over services such as emergency response and garbage.
• Renton administrators previously suggested reducing Fairwood fire protection by 50%, including relocating Fairwood’s aid car to Benson Hill
• Renton cut garbage pickup to every other week
Historically, Renton has neglected outlaying neighborhoods in favor of downtown redevelopment. Has Cascade improved since annexation? A new Hooters? Renton Highlands has deteriorated for years. The Renton Housing Authority recently purchased land in Fairwood targeted for low income housing. Be wary of empty promises!
Reduction in services and new taxes. How else will Fairwood change with annexation? Keep Fairwood, Fairwood, and avoid Renton’s chronic problems. Vote NO Prop 1.
