A Western Washington University study commissioned by the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce confirms in detail the significant contributions of two local refineries to the area economy and public entities including the City of Anacortes and the Anacortes School District. Property taxes: refinery operations in Anacortes generate $4.6 million in property taxes in 2016 alone, according to the Skagit County Assessor’s office. The refineries are two of the largest taxpayers in the county with Shell being largest. The two refineries spend approximately $250 million annually on business to business transactions with roughly 75 companies in our region for various goods and services. Shell and Tesoro and their employees are among the most generous donors to charity, contributing more than $750,000 annually to local causes. Shell and Tesoro combine to support more than 20 percent of the taxes paid to the Anacortes School District. Shell and Tesoro pay roughly 2/3 of the capital costs for the City Water utility, lessening the rates that would otherwise be borne by local residents See the report at:
http://anacortes.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Fildalgo-Island-Refinery-Economic-Impact-Study.pdf