Sno-Isle Libraries levy officially passes by less than ½%

Of 120,261 ballots cast in Snohomish and Island counties, 60,678 — 50.46 percent — were in favor.

MARYSVILLE — Voters in Island County made the difference.

A tax increase to support operations at 23 libraries in Snohomish and Island counties passed by less than half a percentage point. That’s a turnaround from election night, when the measure was narrowly trailing.

Of 120,261 ballots cast between the two counties, 60,678 — 50.46 percent — were in favor of the levy lift for Sno-Isle Libraries.

In Snohomish County, 52 percent of voters opposed the measure. However, Island County voters turned out in strong support, with nearly 62 percent in favor.

Snohomish County had more than four times the number of ballots cast as Island County, but the high rate of passage in the smaller county was enough to tip the results in favor of the measure. Island County also had significantly higher voter turnout in this election: nearly 40 percent compared to about 26 percent in Snohomish County.

The canvassing boards in both counties met Friday to certify the April 24 election results.

With the measure’s passage, the levy for the library district is set to increase by 9 cents per $1,000 assessed property value in 2019. That will bring it up to 47 cents per $1,000. The increase would be about $27 a year on a $300,000 home.

Sno-Isle Libraries relies on property taxes for 98 percent of its funding. If the levy measure hadn’t passed, officials anticipated cuts to staff, hours and programs.

The last levy increase for Sno-Isle was in 2009. The district covers most of Snohomish County. It does not include the city of Everett, which has its own library system.

Sno-Isle Executive Director Jonalyn Woolf-Ivory noted in a news release that “the slim margin of passage is a reminder that we must show voters the value they are receiving from their tax dollars every day.”

She said the plan is to maintain services while boosting reserves so voters won’t have to consider another increase for a while.

A levy for the Darrington School District also passed with 63 percent of the vote. A measure to merge the fire districts in Gold Bar and Index passed with 77 percent.

Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.