Council authorizes first reading to place 2027 levy-lid lift on November ballot

Council authorized first reading of an ordinance to submit a proposition to the qualified electors of the City of Langley at the November 3, 2026 general election seeking to increase the regular property tax levy above the limit in RCW 84.55. The ordinance’s stated purpose is to provide for continual governmental services and to update city operating and electronic technology. The motion for first reading passed unanimously.

Mayor Kennedy Horstman explained the city’s financial context: "The Mayor explained that when she started, the City did not know what our general fund balance was; it has taken over 2 years to understand the city’s financial position accurately." During the public hearing Rose Hughes spoke in favor of a levy lid lift and for the necessity of a city administrator. Councilmembers asked questions about a single-year versus multiyear lift, whether nearby cities had recently passed similar lifts, and clarification of the numeric details that will appear in the ordinance. The minutes record the motion as made to authorize first reading with "a total levy amount of $848,with a proposed levy rate of 1.74131 percent." The item will return for further ordinance processing and ballot placement steps with the Island County Auditor.