We don’t need a tax without a plan.
Very few homes in Astoria are intentionally vacant.
Under this ballot measure, all home owners would be taxed for not being in their homes over 182 days a year. ($3000 in 2027 and $6000 in 2028 and forward.)
Since the Astoria City Council did not author this measure and there is no clear plan in the measure, the City of Astoria would need to define the rules, create the forms and computer systems needed, add or reassign personnel, and start without the benefit of any additional tax dollars and without the assurance that any new taxes collected will ever cover the cost of the new unfunded mandate. This measure, as written, is not a clear solution.
Similar measures, which have passed in other communities, have created years of lawsuits costing citizens tax dollars which have taken away resources from other needs: education, street repair, outreach programs, etc.
There are many good reasons residents are not in their homes for extended periods and having a city administrator in our personal business is not helpful.
Together, let’s find a clear path, a better path, to assist housing the people of Astoria. Vote no on Vacant Home Tax, Measure 4-247.
Tommie Redwine
Astoria, Oregon
VOTE NO VACANT HOME TAX 