Vancouver City Council voted unanimously on Aug. 4 to place Proposition 5 — a proposed property-tax levy lid lift to fund police staffing — on the Nov. 4, 2025 general-election ballot.

City management described Proposition 5 as a single-step levy lid lift of 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value that would, according to staff estimates, raise roughly $6 million and fund 13 police officer positions. Officials framed the measure as part of a three-part funding strategy that includes a proposed local sales tax and a new state grant program; Proposition 5 is offered as a targeted, smaller ask after a larger, multi-year ballot measure earlier (Proposition 4) failed.

City staff emphasized choices made in drafting the proposal: unlike the earlier multi-year request, this is a one-time levy-rate increase that becomes permanent (growing only as allowed under state law) and includes an exemption for qualifying seniors, veterans and other statutorily eligible households. Staff said the exemption would protect roughly $469 million in assessed value from paying the increase and would reduce projected revenue from the levy by an estimated $70,000.

City finance staff explained the measure’s mechanics, noting that assessed values rise while the city’s permitted levy rate is constrained under state law; the council also discussed “banked capacity” from prior voter-approved levies (Proposition 2) and how staff are preserving that capacity for fire capital. Staff said if Proposition 5 is placed on the ballot this fall and approved, it would push some planned capital projects tied to banked capacity into 2027 because of timing decisions.

Council discussion covered timing for placement on the ballot. Some council members said they preferred to see results of another local levy (the library measure) before proceeding; others said they preferred proceeding this November because county ballot decisions (Clark County opted not to place a public safety measure on the fall ballot) reduce the chance of competing safety measures. Staff noted that if the council files a ballot measure with the county elections office this week, the council has a short window to withdraw the measure if it chooses.

The council also appointed a pro committee for Proposition 5: three individuals — Jeff (last name given in packet), Martha Bumgarner and Cindy Reed — were forwarded to the county auditor to serve on the pro committee. No con-committee nominations were available at the meeting; council staff said the auditor will solicit remaining members if council does not appoint them.

Council approved the item to place Proposition 5 on the Nov. 4 ballot and authorized staff to proceed with the drafting and filing steps required for placement on the ballot.