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Ballot measures

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Ballot measures

August 7, 2018 Primary and Special Election

King County

Proposition No. 1
Regular Property Tax Levy Automated Fingerprint Identification System Services

The King County council has passed Ordinance 18674 concerning this proposition for the automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) levy.  This proposition would replace an expiring levy and fund continued operation of the regional AFIS Program to provide enhanced and accessible forensic fingerprint, palmprint and other technology and services to identify criminals and aid in the administration of justice.  It would authorize an additional property tax for six years beginning with a 2018 rate of $0.035 (3.5 cents) per $1,000 of assessed valuation for collection in 2019.  The 2019 levy amount would be the base for computing limitations under Chapter 84.55 RCW for collection in years 2020 through 2024.  Should this proposition be:

Approved

Rejected


This proposition would authorize King County to levy an additional regular property tax to support the continued operation and enhancement of the automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) program, and would replace the current voter-approved levy that will expire on December 31, 2018.  The AFIS program is designed to improve the ability of law enforcement agencies within King County to identify and convict criminal offenders.  Among other activities, the AFIS program matches crime scene fingerprints and palmprints to potential criminal suspects.  If this proposition is approved, levy funds may also be used to research and pilot other types of biometrics and technology to help investigators solve crimes more efficiently and accurately.

The proposed levy would be authorized for a six-year period with collection beginning in 2019.  During the first year, the tax would be levied at a rate of 3.5 cents ($0.035) or less per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of assessed valuation on all taxable property within King County.  Annual increases in each of the succeeding five years would be limited to the statutory rate set forth in chapter 84.55 RCW.

Renew AFIS, An Essential Crime-Fighting Tool

For over 30 years the voter-approved Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) has been the preeminent crime-fighting tool for police in King County’s 39 cities and unincorporated area.  Using state of the art technology and highly trained, nationally accredited staff, the AFIS Program ensures all King County law enforcement officers can use fingerprints and palm prints to identify suspects and solve crimes.

Real Efficiency, Lower Cost

This levy renewal proposal is fiscally responsible. In preparing to ask voters to renew the levy, the AFIS Program reviewed its operations and found ways to eliminate 11 full time positions while still providing the same high-quality, professional service to King County law enforcement agencies. The new AFIS levy will collect $1.5 million less in 2019 than it did in 2018. The owner of a $600,000 home will pay only $21 in 2019 for this fundamental public safety tool.

Your yes vote will maintain, replace, or restore existing technology and operations for the next six years.  AFIS is an essential crime fighting tool and the AFIS Program has a proven track record of managing the public’s money well.  We ask you to vote yes on Proposition 1.

Submitted by: Mitzi Johanknecht, Claudia Balducci, Andy Hwang YesForAFIS@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: Carol Gillespie, Regional AFIS Manager, 206-263-2721, Carol.gillespie@kingcounty.gov

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