(The Center Square) – The clock is ticking as Spokane County voters have less than two weeks to cast their ballots on a dozen proposals, most of which would raise taxes for schools and local governments.
Four school districts proposed bonds and levies for consideration in the Nov. 4 election, with the other tax measures coming from local governments across the county. Voters will also weigh in on two advisory measures in this general election, one of which may result in additional costs down the road.
Each election offers taxpayers an opportunity to weigh in on their cost of living. Some of the proposals may only amount to a few extra dollars a year, depending on the home, but even that could break the bank for individuals struggling to make ends meet. This article outlines the costs to taxpayers if every local government ask succeeds; voters can find an article breaking down the bonds and school levies here.
Together Spokane
The city of Spokane proposed a long-anticipated parks levy this election at $240 million over the next two decades. If successful, it will fund around 200 projects with an additional $200 million bond that Spokane Public Schools proposed in coordination with the city as part of the Together Spokane effort.
The city is asking taxpayers for another 27 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, bringing the property tax rate to $2.59 if approved. Meanwhile, SPS estimates that its proposal would cost someone with a $330,000 home only 2 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, taking its total property tax rate to $3.86.
The two taxes combined would cost an estimated 30 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or about $99 annually starting next year for someone with a $330,000 home. While that might not seem like much to some, many residents already say they don’t trust the city to spend their tax revenue responsibly.
If voters only approve one of the proposals, both parties will need to reassess and cut some projects.
The city only needs a simple majority to pass, while the SPS bond requires at least a supermajority.
Town of Spangle
The Spangle Town Council asked voters to approve two levies this November, as per usual, to fund fire and police services next year. The latter would raise the current rate for police services from 80 cents to $1.19 per $1,000 of assessed property value; however, it would still generate an estimated $28,000, just as officials said it would this year, due to population declines in the town of less than 300 residents.
If approved, the fire levy would maintain the rate of $1.40 per $1,000 of assessed value, generating an estimated $49,000 next year. If voters approve both taxes, the total rate would increase to $2.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value, costing roughly $726 for taxpayers with a $330,000 property.
Spangle Cemetery District
The Board of the Spangle Cemetery District is also asking the few residents in town to pay another 20 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, which would generate an estimated $20,000 if approved.
The cemetery tax would cost roughly $66 annually for someone with a property valued at $330,000.
Rosalia Park and Recreation District
The Rosalia Park and Recreation District, which serves the towns of Rosalia and Malden, with the latter in Whitman County, proposed a levy at 31 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. If approved, it would raise an estimated $55,000 next year, costing about $1.02 for a property valued at $330,000.
Town of Rockford
The Rockford Town Council asked voters to renew its fire levy for next year, which would cost 51 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. If approved, it would generate an estimated $36,000 in 2026, require a supermajority to pass, and cost someone with a $330,000 home about $163 for next year.
Advisory Votes
The cities of Liberty Lake and Medical Lake both put advisory votes on the November ballot. The first measure asked whether residents want the city to build a new community center and library in Liberty Lake, which could entail future taxpayer costs. Meanwhile, the second one asked whether Medical Lake should prohibit the community from buying, selling, and discharging fireworks throughout the city.
Ballot boxes close in Spokane County at 8 p.m. on Nov. 4, with certification set for November 25.
