Vote yes for Prop 1!

LFP is not immune from inflation. We face a growing budget gap despite cuts to staffing, operations, and services. Over the last two years, City expenses for core public safety and other services have increased over $700,000. The law limits LFP to a 1% property tax revenue increase per year, which in 2025 is only $34,500 in additional revenue. Yes on Prop 1 will help close the gap to fund our vital safety services.

More than 90% of property taxes goes to the State, County, and School District. Today, LFP receives roughly 8 cents for every property tax dollar. Prop 1 would make it about 10 cents, costing the average LFP homeowner about $18/month. The funds would directly support safety needs: police, 911, municipal court, jail, emergency management, and more.  This levy lid lift expires after 6 years. Qualifying seniors and veterans are exempt.

The alternative is drastic reductions in services that keep our community safe and resilient. Other cities that delayed closing budget gaps faced deeper reductions later. Now, it’s time to act - voting yes invests in our community, maintaining an effective level of vital police and public safety services.

Peter Eglick, Fiaz Mir, David Hammond, www.yesonlfpprop1.com

Vote No!  The Police and Public Safety are fully funded through 2028 by the General Fund. The levy funds would go into the General Fund, allowing the transfer of Police and Public Safety funds outside of the general fund. This increases the General Fund by the amount of the levy, available for any type of future city spending.

Lake Forest Park has more than enough money to fund the services that are important to residents. A concerned Council voted 3-4 against this levy. Do not be misled. A no vote will not cut public safety services or other citizen benefits. The city may need a levy lift in the future, but not at this time.

 Even with increased spending, the general fund balance is projected to be $8.9 million at the end of 2026—more than four times the required $2.1 million reserve.  City projections show reserves growing from $8.9 million to nearly $10 million with this tax increase.

Voters have wisely rejected levies before. Before raising taxes, the City should use existing funds responsibly, reduce unnecessary spending, consider less regressive revenue sources, and invite community input through a Citizen Fiscal Sustainability Committee. Do not be misled. Vote No!

Jack Tonkin, Hannah Blackbourn, Beth Chapple

Vote Yes. Funds from the Proposition will be legally dedicated to public safety no matter the state of general revenue. The anti-Prop 1 view is make-believe: no inflation, no unexpected costs through 2028. City reserves will soon dry up, without new revenue. Prop 1 naysayers say let’s take the risk. In contrast, Prop 1 maintains healthy reserves ensuring stable essential services come what may. Vote Yes to support LFP police and public safety services!

Peter Eglick, Fiaz Mir, David Hammond, www.yesonlfpprop1.com

While all agree that public safety costs have increased, the backers of this levy-lid lift are not recognizing that the city has nearly $7 million in unallocated funds—enough to support essential services without raising taxes. Prop 1 will cost the average homeowner an additional $1,300 in six years beyond the other taxes due. Do you want your hard-earned dollars to create a super-reserve for the city? Let’s manage existing funds responsibly. Vote No.

Jack Tonkin, Hannah Blackbourn, Beth Chapple

Download the full text of the resolution

Simple majority (RCW 84.55.050)

For questions about this measure, contact: Matt McLean, City Clerk, (206) 368-5440, mmclean@cityoflfp.gov