The League Recommends Yes Vote on Seattle and King County Levies
The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County endorses both the Seattle Public Library Levy and the King County Parks Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Levy. The proposed levies would renew existing levies that the League also endorsed. The League urges voters to approve both measures, which will appear on the August 6, 2019 ballot.
While the League has longstanding positions that disfavor the use of levies to fund basic services, League positions also recognize that public libraries and parks are indispensable to maintaining a healthy community. Currently, levy funds pay for nearly all of the maintenance and operations of County parks. For the library, levy funds would pay for expanded hours and collections, building maintenance, and early learning and social service support. “These shared spaces offer a place for people to come together for education and recreation,” said League President Alyssa Weed. “Supporting free public resources promotes the League’s commitment to fostering greater diversity, equity and inclusion,” she added.
The League stresses the importance of transparency and public oversight of levy funds and is satisfied by the management of the existing levies in that regard. Park levy funds are currently managed by a nine-member Oversight Board. Although the library has no equivalent group, funding priorities for the proposed levy are informed by an extensive public survey conducted last year. Additionally, the Library Board reports to City Council, publishes detailed annual reports, and invites public comment at its meetings. The League is satisfied that the both proposed levies will meet the needs of the public.
Until the state resolves its public funding crisis, the League will continue to weigh the benefits of any proposed levies against the increasing property tax burden. In the meantime, voters should be aware that state law provides an exemption from levy payments to eligible seniors, veterans, and homeowners with disabilities or low income.
While the League has longstanding positions that disfavor the use of levies to fund basic services, League positions also recognize that public libraries and parks are indispensable to maintaining a healthy community. Currently, levy funds pay for nearly all of the maintenance and operations of County parks. For the library, levy funds would pay for expanded hours and collections, building maintenance, and early learning and social service support. “These shared spaces offer a place for people to come together for education and recreation,” said League President Alyssa Weed. “Supporting free public resources promotes the League’s commitment to fostering greater diversity, equity and inclusion,” she added.
The League stresses the importance of transparency and public oversight of levy funds and is satisfied by the management of the existing levies in that regard. Park levy funds are currently managed by a nine-member Oversight Board. Although the library has no equivalent group, funding priorities for the proposed levy are informed by an extensive public survey conducted last year. Additionally, the Library Board reports to City Council, publishes detailed annual reports, and invites public comment at its meetings. The League is satisfied that the both proposed levies will meet the needs of the public.
Until the state resolves its public funding crisis, the League will continue to weigh the benefits of any proposed levies against the increasing property tax burden. In the meantime, voters should be aware that state law provides an exemption from levy payments to eligible seniors, veterans, and homeowners with disabilities or low income.