Duvall hears consultants on a potential property tax levy to cover police, parks and deficit

Duvall officials on Tuesday held a working session with consultants from NWP Consulting to discuss whether and how the city might place a property tax levy on a future ballot to fund police staffing, parks and other needs.

The consultants said the process should begin with stakeholder interviews and polling to gauge what voters will support and to shape an appropriately sized proposal. "You typically don't put something out to vote that you don't feel pretty confident about winning," Christian Zimmerman, lead strategist with NWP Consulting, told the Special Committee of the Whole.

The meeting centered on three planning topics: who comprises the likely electorate, how to test support through interviews and polls, and a practical timeline for referral to an upcoming election. Brian (surname not provided), the consultant who presented turnout models, estimated roughly 1,500 voters in a hypothetical April special election, about 3,000 in a primary and roughly 4,000 in a November general election from the city's pool of about 5,600 registered voters. "As you get from a special to a primary to a general, the audience really shifts younger," Brian said.

Council member…