2017 Election: County levy on November ballot

By Evan Smith

King Voters face a levy on the November 7 ballot to support veterans, seniors and vulnerable populations. The measure seeks to renew a levy that voters approved in 2005 and renewed in 2011.

The measure can pass with a simple majority.

Here is the material about the measure that will appear in voters’ pamphlets that will go into the mail at about the same time that the county sends ballots, October 18:

King County

Proposition No. 1


---Levy Lid Lift for Veterans, Seniors and Vulnerable Populations

Ballot Title

The King County Council passed Ordinance 18555 concerning funding for veterans, seniors and vulnerable populations. If approved, this proposition would replace an expiring levy and fund capital facilities and regional health and human services for veterans and military service members and their families, seniors and their caregivers, and vulnerable populations. It would authorize an additional property tax for six years beginning with a 2017 rate of $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for collection in 2018. The first year levy amount would be the base for computing annual increases up to 3.5% for collection in 2019 through 2023, as provided in Ordinance 18555. Should this proposition be?

Approved__

Rejected __

Explanatory Statement

As provided in Ordinance 18555, this proposition would authorize King County to levy an additional regular property tax for six years beginning with a 2017 rate of ten cents ($0.10) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of assessed valuation for collection in 2018. The dollar amount of the levy collected in 2018 would be the base for computing annual increases of up to 3.5% in 2019 through 2023.

The levy would fund regional health and human services and capital facilities for veterans and military service members and their families, seniors and their caregivers, and vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations are defined in the ordinance as persons or communities that are susceptible to reduced health, housing, financial or social stability outcomes because of current experience or historical exposure to trauma, violence, poverty, isolation, bias, racism, stigma, discrimination, disability or chronic illness. Examples of vulnerable populations are listed in the ordinance.

Funded services would promote outcomes related to healthy living, housing stability, financial stability, social engagement, service system improvement and access, criminal justice system diversion, education and work force development, and civil legal aid to vulnerable populations. Proceeds would also be used to provide small organizations that offer such services with technical assistance and capacity building, such as legal, accounting, human resources, and leadership development and services support.

Proceeds may be used to mitigate the levy’s impact on metropolitan park districts and fire districts if their levies are reduced through prorationing under RCW 84.52.010. Any levy proceeds received by these districts must be used to provide the same types of services funded by the levy.

Statement in favor

Since 2005, the levy has built over 2,000 permanent and affordable units for veterans and vulnerable families, provided emergency shelter to thousands more, expanded mental health and addiction services, and improved self-sufficiency and job training for returning service members. This replacement measure will help meet the needs of the growing senior population, address acute challenges facing veterans, and tackle homelessness with $24 million in housing investments.

An independent citizen commission will continue ensuring efficient service delivery.

Your Yes vote will:

• Expand our commitment to veterans and their families, creating additional veteran coordination centers; continue job training and placement; expand housing, shelter, and supportive services.
• Renew King County’s commitment to our most vulnerable, increasing legal and housing resources for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault; provide mobile medical vans for people experiencing homelessness or isolation, and support individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.
• Support low-income seniors with housing programs and tax relief, expand food programs like Meals on Wheels, and enhance programs that promote physical and emotional health.

This replacement levy will cost the typical household an additional $28/year. It is endorsed by veterans advocates, homelessness and domestic violence service providers, labor unions, senior organizations, Council Republicans and Democrats; more!

Submitted by: Dow Constantine, Pramila Jayapal, Suzette Cooke, www.YesOnProp1.com

Statement in opposition

None submitted