Why Thurston County homeowners are asking for more taxes

More than a dozen property owners went before Thurston County commissioners Tuesday with an unusual request: They all wanted their taxes raised to create a Lake Offut Management District.

The homeowners want to give the county funding, as well as the authority to clean weeds, pollution and algae from the lake they call home.

Longtime residents said the problems have gotten worse in the last 10 years.

"It does keep us from enjoying the lake in all kinds of ways,” said Diane Perlman, a member of the Lake Offut Steering Committee.

Her grandmother bought lakefront property more than 100 years ago. Perlman remembers swimming across the lake, something she said can be dangerous today because of weeds.

"Especially where you’d really want to swim with young children, all along the shoreline,” said Perlman.

If county commissioners approve the community’s petition to form a district, property owners would need to approve the measure in an election, perhaps later this year.

READ THE FULL STORY:

[susantully]

To hell with going through the government. Just do it as a community. The government doesn't need to be involved, it would probably save money and not become an issue down the road. Even make an HOA. Just not the side show we call a state government please.

[Harry-nnpx]

They want your money to clean up their private lake but they do not want you boating on their private lake. Got it. 👍

[Texeq]

They could just write checks to the county. No need to ask for their money to be taken. Be a tax volunteer.

[spottheborgcat]

Nice seeing communities being pro-active.

[spiritualservicesgodbless]

Thank you, love bug, for the video.

[teglaprbambaluftlaurvafhen]

Why not fix it yourselves? Without a levy? ❤ Either way good on all....