In all the information  presented about the levy lid lift that is on the April 28 ballot, one number is missing –  the current levy rate.

The current rate is 54 cents per thousand of assessed value. The proposed rate is 85 cents per assessed value. A 57 percent increase.

The county’s information states “The levy would reset the property tax rate for the County general budget to $0.85 per $1,000 of assessed value – the same rate voters approved in 2019.” This is misleading. It is an increase not a reset.

The total property assessments in 2019 were $8,381,470,931. The total property assessments in 2026 were $14,820,123,861 according to the county assessor’s website.  An 85 cent rate in 2019 on $8,381,470,931 raised much less that a 85 cent rate on $14,820,123,861 will.

The numbers that a voter needs to make their decision, should include the current levy rate and the proposed levy rate.

The total assessed value in 2019 was $8,381,470,931 

The total assessed value in 2026 is $14,820,123,861

The booklets that include a wealth of information about  each year from 1988 to 2026  are posted on the Assessor’s website.

Written by Sharon Kivisto