Clallam County commissioners voted to place a levy-lid lift measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, general election ballot that would raise the county's regular property tax levy rate to $0.95 per $1,000 of assessed value and expressly remove an annual CPI escalator.

The measure, approved by voice vote at a special meeting, directs staff to prepare the ballot title, explanatory statement and any documents required by the county auditor's elections department. County Administrator Todd said the proposal would be specific to the county general fund and aimed at maintaining existing service levels across departments, noting that "the sheriff's office is the largest agency in the general fund, so it would work to maintain service levels in both the jail and the road deputies."

The vote follows weeks of budget conversations and public comment during the special meeting. Kenneth Rehan of Port Angeles said he would "still support the resolution, but I find it economically deficient," asking for more multi-year budgeting. Ed Bowen Westin urged additional public engagement and said he was "not for or against at this point, but I am submitting my name to be on the against proponent for the voter's guide." Dr. Sarah Healing, who identified herself as representing District 3, said she does not personally support an increase but "do[s] support it going to the voters."

Why it matters: County staff presented three main options during the briefing: a higher levy rate (illustrated at $1.05 per $1,000 in some scenarios), a one-year levy-lid lift to $0.95 with no escalator (the option the board approved to place on the ballot), and potential future consideration of a one-tenth of 1% criminal-justice sales tax if statutory criteria are met. The county faces projected gaps between revenues and expenditures over the coming years and has identified capital requests and payroll vacancies as material budget factors.

Key numeric details discussed at the meeting included a current levy rate of $0.76 per $1,000 of assessed value, the approved $0.95-per-thousand proposal, a staffestimate of $1,200,000 in payroll underspend used historically to balance budgets, and about $3,900,000 in outstanding capital requests referenced by staff. County Administrator Todd illustrated the homeowner impact, saying that moving to a $1.05 rate would increase taxes by about $145 per year (about $12 per month) for a $500,000 home, while the $0.95 option would be about $95 per year (about $8 per month). The board emphasized that the approved $0.95 option is intended to be a modest request that buys time to pursue other revenue options and additional cost-savings.

Process and next steps: The resolution as approved instructs staff to work with the county auditor to finalize ballot language and explanatory materials. Commissioners also directed staff to correct a scrivener's error in the pro/con committee advertisement to reflect the board's motion (95¢ and removal of the CPI escalator). The commissioners designated the county administrator and the county prosecutor as recipients of formal notice from the auditor about the ballot title, per the draft language reviewed with the Washington State Department of Revenue.

Discussion highlights and tensions: Commissioners repeatedly expressed concern about cumulative property-tax burdens on residents and economic uncertainty. Some commissioners said they preferred a higher, multiyear lift initially but shifted to 95¢ after public comments and deliberation. Commissioners also noted the county's limited long-term funding options and the potential need for both property-tax and other revenue measures in future years if state or federal policy does not change funding levels for county responsibilities such as indigent defense.

The measure will appear on the Nov. 4, 2025, general election ballot if the county auditor accepts the ballot title and explanatory language produced under the board's authorization. The board and staff said they will continue budget work and public engagement whether or not voters approve the measure.