Okay. So, it’s a bit early to be coming out for or against issues we may or may not face on the November ballot. But this one’s already got trouble written all over it.

Initiative 860, Tim Eyman’s latest let’s-stick-it-to-the-Olympia-decision-makers-because-if-we-don’t-they’ll-stick-it-to-us-harder proposal, might look good from the average property owners’ point of view. After, all who among you wouldn’t like to shave 25 percent off your taxes?

If it seems like a no-brainer, think harder.

In fact, think back a few years when Eyman’s last bright idea, I-695, pretty much slit the throat of every major transportation project in the state. Sure, it saved some folks a few hundred bucks, and others just a few, but the impact definitely outweighed the benefits. The state is still reeling from it and now it seems Eyman is posing for the second major hit in his one-two punch.

In terms of potential funding nightmares, I-860 will have an even bigger local impact than I-695 as it slices into the already thin budgetary flesh of our regional library system, health care, our emergency services — fire and law enforcement — and the City of Poulsbo.

Some of these budgets receive roughly 90 percent of their funding from property taxes, meaning a 25 percent cut would carve out more than 20 percent of their total

revenues.

Imagine the services that would fall by the wayside, the layoffs and the drastic reduction of public confidence.

Now try to picture the long-term effects.

It may be a bit early in the game, but we wanted to be among the first to speak out against this one. If it hits the ballot, expect our voice to get even louder.

Property taxes, just like any other tax, are in place for a reason. They’re not much fun to pay but they do ensure a certain quality of life for all of us.

If you sincerely think cutting this tax will solve old

problems instead of creating new ones, we ask you just

one favor during the next 10 months or so — think again.