The Enumclaw School Board and Black Diamond City Council are finally considering payments by developers for new houses they build: a school impact fee.

However, they are ignoring public comment and cutting the developer fee to half of what is allowed. This shifts millions onto taxpayers. Developers should care about our schools. Our Council should care about our students. Developers should pay their full share.

We are just into a 20-year tax pay off for the new Black Diamond Elementary and the Enumclaw High School Expansion. The new Enumclaw School capital plan says voters could be asked for up to $100,000,000 in additional bonds in the next six years. We will be told we need to support students.

But, if schools are important, then why don’t my City Council and our local developers support schools? Both say they care about our community. But if they don’t support impact fees for new students and new schools, then why should I vote for school taxes.

Gary Davis

Black Diamond