The Clark County Council voted 3-2 against granting the auditor’s office authority to place financial impact statements on ballot measures. This decision came after members of the public, including two associated with the Clark County Charter Review Commission, used their time to denounce the proposed amendment.

Concerns Over Auditor’s Power

Ann Donnelly, a member of the Clark County Review Commission, argued that the measure would hand the auditor too much power. She noted that cost impacts are important, but costs are not written in stone, and this measure would give the auditor’s office intrusive authority. Liz Klein, another member of the commission, also spoke out against the proposal, pointing out that it was being pushed by the current auditor, Greg Kimsey, through the county council.

Councillor Michelle Belcott agreed with Klein, saying that this sounds like another attempt to override the voters’ decision. Councillor Glenn Young gave arguments for and against the amendment but ultimately did not support it. Councillor Matt Little asked several questions and said he understood both sides of the issue but would not agree with supporting the proposal with the current language.

Chair Sue Marshall and Councilor Will Fuentes supported the proposal, arguing that it would provide transparency and give voters more information to make an informed decision. However, the proposal was ultimately voted down, with Belcott, Little, and Young voting no.

The council did vote to send a request to the commission to look at new language in regard to the same issue, perhaps with true and impartial language or giving the authority to a different office.

Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.