Published: Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Edmonds voters side firmly against property tax increases
EDMONDS -- Voters rejected three property tax levies that would have raised money to maintain levels of public safety, improve roads and upgrade city buildings.
All three ballot measures required a simple majority to pass.
Had voters approved the trio of measures, the owner of a $375,000 home -- the average price of a home in the city -- would've paid roughly $162 more in annual property taxes through 2014.
Proposition No. 1 was losing 59 percent to 41 percent -- or 5,012 votes against compared with 3,469 in favor. The levy called for collecting $1 million per year for three years to bolster the general fund to maintain current levels of service, namely public safety and parks.
Proposition No. 2 was behind 60 percent to 40 percent -- or 5,126 against compared with 3,420. The levy would have funneled $1 million per year for three years to pay for street pavement overlays.
Taxpayers would have been charged an additional 17 cents per $1,000 assessed value on homes in 2012 for each levy. The average homeowner would have been charged approximately $64 in 2012 for each levy.
The third measure, Proposition No. 3, was behind 64 percent to 36 percent -- or 5,479 against compared with 3,066 in favor. By raising property taxes by 9 cents per $1,000 assessed value in 2012, the average homeowner would have been charged $33.75 in 2012. The measure would have collected $500,000 per year for three years to fund deferred maintenance projects in parks and city buildings, including new playground equipment, upgraded parking lots and new roofs.
Dave Earling, who was winning election to become Edmonds next mayor, said the levies' failing meant tough budget times ahead.
"There's no question it increases the challenge," Earling said.
Since 2009, the city made up a $5.2 million gap by laying off employees, contracting out for service of its century-old fire department, and instituting a hiring freeze. The city has balanced its budget and was relying on levy passage to maintain current levels of service.
Reporters Jerry Cornfield and Mina Williams contributed to this story.
All three ballot measures required a simple majority to pass.
Had voters approved the trio of measures, the owner of a $375,000 home -- the average price of a home in the city -- would've paid roughly $162 more in annual property taxes through 2014.
Proposition No. 1 was losing 59 percent to 41 percent -- or 5,012 votes against compared with 3,469 in favor. The levy called for collecting $1 million per year for three years to bolster the general fund to maintain current levels of service, namely public safety and parks.
Proposition No. 2 was behind 60 percent to 40 percent -- or 5,126 against compared with 3,420. The levy would have funneled $1 million per year for three years to pay for street pavement overlays.
Taxpayers would have been charged an additional 17 cents per $1,000 assessed value on homes in 2012 for each levy. The average homeowner would have been charged approximately $64 in 2012 for each levy.
The third measure, Proposition No. 3, was behind 64 percent to 36 percent -- or 5,479 against compared with 3,066 in favor. By raising property taxes by 9 cents per $1,000 assessed value in 2012, the average homeowner would have been charged $33.75 in 2012. The measure would have collected $500,000 per year for three years to fund deferred maintenance projects in parks and city buildings, including new playground equipment, upgraded parking lots and new roofs.
Dave Earling, who was winning election to become Edmonds next mayor, said the levies' failing meant tough budget times ahead.
"There's no question it increases the challenge," Earling said.
Since 2009, the city made up a $5.2 million gap by laying off employees, contracting out for service of its century-old fire department, and instituting a hiring freeze. The city has balanced its budget and was relying on levy passage to maintain current levels of service.
Reporters Jerry Cornfield and Mina Williams contributed to this story.
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