Title
Approval of Proposed Ordinance and Ballot Measure Relating to Regular Property Taxes for Submission to Voters to the General Election to be Held on November 7, 2017 of a Public Safety Proposition Authorizing the Levy of Regular Property Taxes in Excess of the Limitations of RCW Chapter 84.55 and Setting Forth the Text of the Ballot Proposition
Recommended Action
City Council:
Move to approve an ordinance setting a ballot proposition for submission to voters at the general election on November 7, 2017 authorizing the levy of regular property taxes in excess of the limitations of RCW Chapter 84.55.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the proposed Public Safety Levy-Lid Lift Ballot Measure Ordinance on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Should the Council approve the proposed Public Safety Levy-Lid Lift Ballot Measure Ordinance?
Staff Contact:
Steve Hall, City Manager, 360.753.8447
Mary Verner, Administrative Services Director, 360.753.8499
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.8338
Background and Analysis:
Background and Analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
At the June 6, 2017 City Council Study Session, Stuart Elway of Elway Research presented the results of a recent resident voter opinion poll commissioned by the City. The Elway Poll asked residents to respond to a series of questions pertaining to housing and public safety. Mr. Elway reported there was strong support for a public safety package with nearly 8 in 10 respondents supporting the package.
The public safety package consists of funding law enforcement officers for the downtown walking patrol, community liaisons, code enforcement, a mental health response team, direct mental health services, and Community Court. The total estimated cost is approximately $2.85 million.
Without additional revenue, the public safety services contemplated by this ballot measure cannot be funded. The public safety package may be funded through an ad valorem property tax levy-lid li...
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