troutdude
In 2009 (if I recall correctly), a standard resident Angler's license cost $24.50. Then, in 2010, that cost soared by over 34.5% (again, if I am not mistaken), to a whopping $33.00. That is the largest one-year cost increase, that I can recall. There may have been other such gigantic increases; and if there were...maybe we should start another thread.
I wish that I could've had a 34% SALARY INCREASE last year! How about you?
Now I know, that not all of that new revenue was an increase in ODFW's pay structure...but, c'mon man...that DEMANDS an accounting...don't you think???
Just a little bit of googling and I found this, http://www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/budget/docs/2009/budget_fact_sheet.pdf
Given the last increase was in 2004, that's not an unreasonably large increase to cover inflation over that period of time, and I believe the state legislature put a little bit extra on top to cover the inflation for a few additional years as well.
I don't know if I'd rather have a 4-6% increase each year or if it would be more palatable to do large jumps every few years like this. All I do know is I keep buying the necessary licenses, so I must be at least breaking even value wise.
If it makes you feel any better, I still have the 1981 and 1983 regulations and looking back, the annual angling tag went from $9.00 in 1981 to $12.00 in 1983 and the salmon/steelhead tag went from $2.00 to $5.00. That's a 33.3% increase for the annual license and a 150% increase for the tag
I spent way more money on fishing line last year than I did on my license and tags. You want to ***** about something ***** about the high price of fishing tackle!
A 30% increase is extreme and unexplainable in a down economy!!