THURSTON: Critics lambaste what they call an increasing stream of taxes and fees.

By Jennifer Oison The Olympian, 08/21/98

OLYMPIA _ The revolt is under way.

Saying they are tired of increased fees and governmental intrusions Thurston County residents turned out in force Wednesday night to condemn a proposal creating new charges for septic system users and expanding the stormwater utility.

Almost 300 people crammed into the county courthouse, filling the main meeting room. Part of the overflow crowd listened to the hearing on speakers in the hallway and another room.

4 9I just dorft have any more money to give," Tom Daudet told the Thurston County Planning Commission.

"Amen," roared members of the audience, applauding loudly.

Except for a few supporters, most residents testifying before the nine-member planning advisory group strongly attacked the proposal.

It would create an umbrella program to integrate the county's water-quality programs and pay for projects protecting water quality, water supply and animal habitats.

But critics said property owners should take responsibility for their own septic systems. They also lambasted what they called an increasing stream of taxes and fees, suggesting that growth should pay for itself. Tenino resident Dan Beedle asked "why should we give more money to create another level of bureaucracy we do not need?"

Besides the proposed $14 a year fee on all septic systems, the county is considering increasing and extending stormwater fees countywide. The fees are now collected only in the north county.

The public hearing was called ralso to receive comment on about 15 comprehensive plan ammendments. But because of the swarms nf peopie wanting to testify about the water resources plan, testimony on the other amendments was de-layed until this evening.

The few who supported the proposal with varying approval were quickly booed by the audience.

Rochester resident Margaret Rader said she was willing to pay

the fee because she felt it was reasonable.

"I know it's not popular" she said after being chastised by the audience. "But folks, we're talking about $48 a year."

But many who testified against the proposal said many residents, including senior citizens, just don't have that extra money to give.

Rainier Mayor Mike Elliott, who said he was also representing the views of Bucoda and Tenino mayors, said the county already charges a fee when residents build homes. Maybe, he said, the solution is to look inside county government.

"Don't raise elected officials' salaries every single year," he said.

Bruce Crookshanks' testimony was furious with the proposal. "I would like to know who the Nazi Fascist pig is who thought this up?" he said. "It's taxation without representation, and it's time for another tea party."

County activist Michael Pettit sugg6sted the Planning Commission should hold off making a recommendation to the three-member County Commission until after elections, so a new commissioner can have his say on the proposal. County commission chairman Dick Nichols isrft seeldng re-election this year.

Assessor Kevin O'Sullivan, who is running for Nichols' seat, said too much of the current stormwater fees have gone into research.

"This is about credibility," O'Sullivan said. "The money is going to research, not to projects;"

The bottom line, O'Sullivan said, is that residents should be able to vote on the proposal.

The Planning Compiission will meet in September to hash out its final recommendation to county commissioners. The County Commission will have its own public hearings on the matter in November

County resident Fred Fbster said some existing agency should take responsibility to remind people to have their septic tanks pumped. But he worried about the cost.

"I was taxed out of Oregon," he said, "and now I'm about to be in the position of being taxed out here.