And another couple of letters bemoan the weeds and debris making our city look less than sparkling.
I’d like to ask those who complain about this where they shop. If they cross the river to save taxes, they’re denying the city the funds that could be used to clean up these open spaces.
According to Natasha Ramras, city of Vancouver deputy finance director, about $9.6 million is lost annually to Vancouver residents shopping in Oregon (“Balance Vancouver’s budget without raising property taxes,” June 18, The Columbian). That’s an average $48.39 monthly per household. If those sales occurred in the city of Vancouver, the city’s deficit would be covered through 2020, Ramras projected.
When the city has to make budgeting decisions based on available revenue, where do weeds and litter fit in the priority list? If Vancouver’s citizens want our city to sparkle, they’d do well to shop at home — or get out and start pulling weeds.
