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City staff warn Seattle is nearing property‑tax levy capacity as library proposal would use a large share
Summary
Central staff told the Select Committee the city’s combined voter‑approved levies plus the general levy approach the statutory $3.60-per‑$1,000 cap; using conservative assumptions, the library proposal would take about half the projected capacity and leave limited room for future levy authorizations or unexpected needs.
Central staff presented a property‑tax primer and a capacity projection to the Select Committee on the Library Levy on March 25, warning the council that Seattle’s ability to add or renew voter‑approved levies is narrowing.
Tom Mikesell and Edin Sisic of central staff and Eric (counsel) explained the difference between the statutory levy lid (1% annual statutory growth plus new construction) and voter‑approved lid lifts. They noted that the city’s maximum combined levy rate for…
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