If approved by voters, Proposition 1 would replace two expiring levies and authorize King County to levy an additional regular property tax to fund parks. The levy would be authorized for a six-year period with collection beginning in 2014 at a rate not to exceed $0.1877 (18.77¢) per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Annual increases in years two through six of the levy would be authorized in an amount equal to the change in the annual CPI or the limitation set forth in chapter 84.55 RCW, whichever is greater.
The levy proceeds would be divided as follows:
• 47% for maintenance and operations of King County’s parks system, with up to 1.3% of that amount for the recreation grant program;
• 39% for additional open space lands, natural areas, resource or ecological lands, right of ways for regional trails, improvement of parks system infrastructure, and development of trailhead facilities;
• 7% to cities in King County for local parks system projects; and
• 7% to the Woodland Park Zoological Society for environmental education emphasizing underserved populations, horticulture and maintenance of buildings and grounds, conservation and animal care for rare, threatened or endangered Pacific Northwest Species, and existing capital projects and campaigns.
If the proposition is approved, a county citizen oversight board would be established similar to the board that exists for the expiring levies. The board would consist of nine members, who would be nominated by County councilmembers, appointed by the County executive, and confi rmed by the council. The board would review all expenditures of levy proceeds and report annually to the executive, council, and regional policy committee.
For additional questions regarding this measure contact: Mary Bourguignon - Legislative Analyst 206-477-0873 • mary.bourguignon@kingcounty.gov
