Proposition 4: Police Services Levy
To address the growing demand for police services in Vancouver, in July the City Council unanimously voted to approve a resolution referring a property tax levy lid lift that if approved, will fund police, public safety, and related services.
How was the levy developed?
The levy lid lift recommendation was developed by a 13-member Police Advisory Committee of Vancouver residents convened by the City Manager. The committee met six times over three months to help identify community safety needs, service gaps, and ways to improve policing and public safety. The Committee proposed the following funding approach: a permanent six-year property tax levy lid lift beginning in 2025, a facilities bond in 2026, and a public safety sales tax in 2028 to round out the police’s staffing needs. Read the committee’s report.
Increased demand for Police services in Vancouver
Community growth has contributed to a 30% increase in call volume for police services and an 87% increase in reported crimes since 2018. In addition to higher call volume, the increasing complexity of calls frequently requires multiple officers for extended periods, resulting in the diversion of resources from other parts of the City. Proposition 4 will help maintain and increase the overall capacity to provide police and public safety services in Vancouver.
What will Proposition 4 pay for?
Proposition 4 would fund increased staff and supportive services, including:
- Add up to 80 full-time equivalent sworn officers in a range of ranks and assignments
- Add up to 36 full-time equivalent non-sworn police positions
- A traffic enforcement camera program
- Additional operating and related services, including the impact of the additional staffing on jail, corrections, and public defense
- Maintenance and facility expenses to provide police services
- Expand Homeless Assistance & Resources Team (HART) response
- Equipment, technology, and vehicles consistent with current and future standards
- Administrative and staffing costs related to police staff and services
How much will Proposition 4 raise?
In the first year, the levy lift is estimated to raise approximately $15.5 million; in 2030, it will raise approximately $36 million.
How much will Proposition 4 cost?
The City’s 2024 general fund property tax levy is approximately $2.0897 per $1,000 of assessed value. The Proposition 4 levy lid lift would increase this levy by approximately $0.41/$1,000 of assessed value for 2025. The levy lid lift would be permanent and authorize a 5% annual levy increase for six years. The estimated impact on the owner of a $500,000 home would be an additional $205 in property tax in the first year and $585 in 2030.
What is a levy lid lift?
The purpose of a lid lift is to allow additional property taxes to be collected at a time when the levy limit in Chapter 84.55 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is the effective legal constraint to increasing property taxes. A levy limit may be exceeded when authorized by a majority of the voters voting on a proposition to “lift the lid” of the levy limit as described in RCW 84.55.050. For more information, see Section 458-19-045 of the Washington Administrative Code.
When is the election?
Proposition 4 is on the General Election ballot scheduled for Nov. 5.
Military and Overseas ballots will be mailed out on Sept. 20 and regular ballots will be mailed out and available in the Elections Office on Oct. 18. Ballots must be deposited into an official ballot drop site by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5, or they can be mailed if postmarked no later than Nov. 5. If you need to register to vote or check your registration, visit clark.wa.gov/elections.
News
July 16 – City Council approves resolution to place police services levy, Proposition 4, on November ballot