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City of Maple Valley

Proposition No. 1
Levy Lid Lift for Public Safety

The City Council of the City of Maple Valley passed Ordinance No. 23-780 concerning funding for public safety services. This proposition funds public safety and maintains current police staffing/service levels, including safety patrols, school zone traffic enforcement, school resource officer, and crime prevention programs, by increasing the City’s regular property tax to a maximum rate of $1.18/$1,000 of assessed valuation (generating approximately $2,200,000 for public safety) for collection in 2024. The 2024 levy amount will be the basis to calculate subsequent levies, per RCW 84.55. Qualifying seniors, veterans, and others would be exempt, per RCW 84.36.

Should this proposition be approved:

Yes

No


Maple Valley has a police department of 20 officers through a contract with the King County Sheriff’s Office. The current police staffing and police service levels provide neighborhood safety patrols; traffic enforcement; a School Resource Officer; and community crime prevention programs. Due to increases in wage and labor costs, and historical inflation, the City’s budgeted 2023 KCSO contract cost increased 19% compared to 2022. Proposition-1 asks voters to approve a levy lid lift dedicated to maintaining police services.

Funding to pay for police services primarily comes from property taxes paid to the City.  Currently, 7% of a homeowner’s property tax bill for a median valued home ($685,000) is allocated to the City of Maple Valley.

State law limits City property tax increases to 1% per year without a public vote.  Proposition-1 asks voters to “lift” this levy limit to set the City’s property tax rate at a maximum of $1.18/$1,000 assessed valuation generating approximately $2,200,000 for public safety for collection in 2024.  The City’s property tax rate would still be below the legal limit of $1.60. The 2024 levy amount will then be used to calculate subsequent levy limits.

If Proposition-1 is approved, the typical homeowner would pay an additional average of $17.67 per month, $212 per year. These funds are restricted for police services only. There are exemptions for qualifying seniors and people with disabilities.

If no action is taken, the City expects a shortfall in 2025 and will have to make service cuts.

Maple Valley shines as a beacon of safety and warmth. Our exceptional school district and stunning natural surroundings make it an idyllic haven for families. Central to this haven is our beloved Maple Valley Police Department, a steadfast guardian of our quality of life.

 

Dedicated to community policing, our officers forge bonds that make us more than just residents – we're a family. From cherished annual events like the 4th of July celebration at Lake Wilderness Park, the lively Maple Valley Days & Parade, to the enchanting Kids Fair, our officers stand vigilant, ensuring our gatherings are filled with joy, not worry. Contrast this with neighboring cities, where uncertainty looms in the absence of strong police support.

 

Our Police Department, with its 20 officers serving round-the-clock, is a model of efficiency. Remarkably, they maintain this level of protection with just .74 officers per 1000 citizens – half the state average. Yet, the tide of inflation threatens our tranquility. Rising costs of living and soaring inflation rates have strained our police labor and liability insurance expenses. Due to the 1% cap on annual property tax hikes, our revenues struggle to match these mounting burdens.

 

We humbly seek your support. A modest investment, approximately $17.67 per month for an average property owner, ensures continuity in the security and harmony we cherish. This is not just about maintaining numbers; it's about preserving our unique way of life.

 

In the spirit of unity and safeguarding our future, let's rise together. Your Yes vote is a resounding Yes to secure our Maple Valley Police Department and in turn, our Maple Valley way of life.

Submitted by: 
DJ Nesel, Tonya Walker, VoteYesMVPD@gmail.com

 

No statement submitted.

Statements in favor of and in opposition to a ballot measure are submitted by committees appointed by the jurisdiction. No persons came forward to serve on the committee and to write a statement in opposition. If you would like to be involved with a committee in the future please contact the jurisdiction.

 

Simple majority (RCW 84.55.050)

For questions about this measure, contact: Laura Philpot, City Manager, (425) 413-8800, laura.philpot@maplevalleywa.gov

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