Lake Forest Park weighs temporary public‑safety levy; council delays final ballot language

Lake Forest Park councilors on June 16 continued a multi‑session discussion about a draft resolution (25‑20‑21) that would place a levy lid lift before voters to fund public safety services. The draft would authorize a temporary levy collected annually for six consecutive years (budget years 2026–2031) to address an operating shortfall identified in the city’s general fund.

Deputy Mayor Tani introduced the item and asked Finance Director Vaughn to brief the council. “One of [the assessor’s office] recommendations was instead of trying to quote all the numbers…state the intent of the levy and then drop the number in once the council settles on it,” Director Vaughn said, describing ongoing coordination with the King County assessor and the assessor’s caution about inserting fixed maximums into the resolution. Vaughn said staff will continue working with the assessor and asked Attorney Pratt to review any recommendations before the resolution is finalized.

Why it matters: councilors described a roughly $1.5 million gap the…