Lake Forest Park faces the same difficult choices that other communities across the state face, concocted by Tim Eyman and maintained by the State Legislature. While inflation has increased annually by 2.8% and by over 5% recently, revenues have been hamstrung by a 1% annual cap on property tax increases.
As the years have ticked by, cities have struggled to fund basic operations. Some have reduced staffing. Brier cut police department funding. Edmonds explored selling off parks.
Lake Forest Park staff project that our status quo will exhaust the general fund by 2031. While the city has cut costs by closing City Hall on Fridays, preserving current services requires further action. Our city government listened to feedback when designing this levy, ensuring transparency by moving the process through the Finance Committee. The City Council recognizing this crisis, unanimously voted to send this levy to us.
In voting down levies for decades, our beloved Lake Forest Park has been borrowing against the future. We are lucky to live here, and it is time for our votes to reflect the best of our values. To preserve our commitment to safety, community policing, and our environment, please vote Yes on Proposition 1.
Statement submitted by: Marty Ross, www.yesonlfpprop1.com
