Voters in Lynnwood and Woodway are being asked in this month’s election to pay for library service and storm water protection, respectively.
In Lynnwood, property owners would pay a tax directly to the Sno-Isle Library system for service. Residents currently pay indirectly through the city.
Last year, the city of Lynnwood paid $1.1 million to Sno-Isle, while it cost the district $3.5 million to run the busy library at 19200 44th Ave. W.
“The library would have a dedicated revenue stream” if the measure passes, City Councilman Mark Smith said.
If voters say yes, the changeover would take effect in 2008. That year, the City Council would redirect the $1.1 million to special projects such as a new police station or community center, according to its resolution to put the library measure on the ballot.
City Councilman Jim Smith and former mayor Tina Roberts helped write the “against” statement on the library measure for the voters’ pamphlet.
“This is nothing but a tax increase,” Jim Smith said. “Library service is negotiated. “There’s other options if (costs) get up too high,” he said.
The library tax costs roughly $84 per year for the owner of a $200,000 home, Sno-Isle spokeswoman Mary Kelly said. The rate translates to 42.3 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Residents in 12 cities in the Sno-Isle district, which covers Snohomish and Island counties, pay the tax. Six cities, including Lynnwood, pay through a contract fee.
In Woodway, property owners are being asked to pay $12 to $16 a month to stave off storm water drainage problems.
The money would raise about $300,000 in the first year for new storm drains, soil projects and improvements to existing drains, Mayor Carla Nichols said.
The town of slightly more than 1,000 residents recently experienced minor flooding in its Twin Maples neighborhood, Nichols said.
All homeowners would pay at least $8 per month, and another $4 to $8 per month based on the amount of paved surface on their property.
“This is a user fee; it is not a tax,” Nichols said. “It’s how you use your property and its effect on your neighborhood.”
Reporter Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.
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