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Lake Forest Park council approves a six-year public-safety levy for November ballot
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously June 25 to place a six-year property tax levy lid lift of $0.22 per $1,000 assessed value on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot to shore up public-safety costs; staff said the increase is projected to raise about $1.2 million under current assumptions and would support police, prosecutor, public defense and crisis-response services.
The Lake Forest Park City Council voted unanimously June 25 to submit a six‑year levy lid lift to city voters that would raise property taxes by $0.22 per $1,000 assessed value beginning in 2027 to help fund public-safety services.
Administrator Hill told the council that public safety is the city’s largest departmental expense, accounting for roughly 34% of budgeted costs, and that a combination of inflation and rising discrete costs — dispatch contract changes, jail fees, insurance and attorney costs — has left the city with a structural shortfall. Hill said a $0.22 lid lift would raise "just over $1.2 million" based on an assumed 6% increase in assessed values for 2027 and the county median assessed value used in the staff packet.
"Without a vote of LFP residents, property owners within the city, we are limited to a state law that limits growth in revenue to 1%," Hill said, adding that the small automatic increase would not close the city's full budget gap and the proposal is intended to produce a "softer landing" for reserves and the unallocated fund balance.
Councilmembers framed the action as a cautious, limited step. Vice Chair Goldman said the levy is designed to maintain existing levels of police service, prosecuting and public defender coverage, and membership in the regional crisis co‑response (RACER) program rather than expand services. Budget Chair Riddle emphasized the six‑year design and the intention to allow modest, routine cost-of-living increases in later years to smooth future budgets.
Council members asked staff to prioritize voter outreach and fact-based materials ahead of the election. City attorney Pratt advised the council that, after the resolution, members may express personal opinions but must not use city facilities, staff, or email for advocacy; staff will provide factual information to the public.
The resolution (No. 262084) was moved, seconded and adopted by unanimous voice vote. The council directed staff to proceed with outreach and to provide written materials explaining the levy’s scope, fiscal assumptions and a clear breakdown of how revenues would be used.
Next steps: the measure will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot with outreach planned through the summer and fall. If voters approve the lid lift, staff projected (in the packet) that the levy would modestly reduce the city’s biennial draw from reserves while preserving current public-safety staffing and services.
