Vancouver City Council votes to endorse Proposition 4

Vancouver City Council votes to endorse Proposition 4

September 17, 2024

Vancouver, Wash. - On Monday, Sept. 16, the Vancouver City Council unanimously approved (with one recusal) a resolution expressing support for the Police Services Levy, Proposition 4, which is on the ballot for the Nov. 5 General Election. Read the complete Resolution language.

Proposition 4 is a property tax levy lid lift that, if approved by voters, would be used to fund 80 additional full-time sworn officers and 36 additional full-time equivalent non-sworn police positions; efficiency-enhancing technologies; support for jail, corrections, prosecution, and public defense resources; facilities investments necessary to support increased staffing and equipment and vehicles consistent with current and future community expectations.

The proposed levy lid lift would increase Vancouver's regular property tax levy by approximately $0.41/$1,000 assessed value, for a maximum levy rate not to exceed $2.63/$1,000 for 2025; set the limit for Vancouver's total regular property tax levy for 2026-2030 to 100% plus an annual increase of 5% and authorize the 2030 levy amount as the basis to calculate future levies. In the first year, the levy lift is estimated to raise approximately $15.5 million.

Proposition 4 was placed on the ballot to address the increased demand for police services in Vancouver. This is the first step in a three-step funding approach recommended by the Vancouver Police Advisory Committee. Expected next steps include a facilities bond in 2026 and a public safety sales tax in 2028.

Consistent with state law, the Vancouver City Council may express a collective position regarding any ballot proposition. The City Council has now done so by passing Resolution M-4297 expressing its support in favor of passing Proposition 4.

Ballots must be deposited into an official ballot drop site by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5, or they can be mailed if postmarked no later than Nov. 5. To register to vote or check your registration, visit clark.wa.gov/elections.

###

Media contact: Tim Becker, strategic communications manager, [email protected]