HomeMy WebLinkAbout052226 email - Press Release_ Jefferson County Commissioners Add Parks & Recreation Levy Lid Lift to the August BallotGood afternoon,
On April 27 of this year, Jefferson County’s Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 23-0427-26R, placing a proposed Parks & Recreation Levy Lid Lift on the August 4, 2026, Special
Election ballot. This measure will appear on the ballot as Proposition 1, the “County Parks & Rec Levy.” If approved by a majority of voters, the proposed levy lid lift would provide
dedicated funding for parks, recreation, community centers, the County Fairgrounds, and the 4-H Youth Development Program for six years, spanning from 2027 through 2032. This proposal
would authorize a property tax rate of $0.21 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation. The proposed levy includes property tax exemptions for qualifying seniors, veterans, and individuals
with disabilities under RCW 84.36.381.
The proposal comes as local governments, including Jefferson County, face financial pressures, including cuts and limits on available state and federal funding for non-mandated community
services. Parks, recreation, and youth programs are not required services under state law. This means counties must find local funding sources to keep facilities and programs running.
If approved, the Levy Lid Lift would help operate and maintain 23 parks and recreation facilities throughout Jefferson County. This includes programs and community spaces that serve
residents from Port Townsend to Brinnon. Funding would support youth and adult recreation programs, community events, Fairgrounds operations, youth development activities, and public
gathering spaces.
“These are important community programs that support youth, families, seniors, and residents throughout Jefferson County,” said District 1 County Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette.
“As counties continue facing financial challenges, we are looking at creative ways to sustain services that are valued by the community. Residents have consistently shared with us the
importance of parks, recreation opportunities, and youth programs, and this ballot measure provides voters the opportunity to decide how these programs will be supported into the future.”
This press release is intended to provide factual information about the ballot measure, election timeline, and proposed funding uses. For additional information about the proposed levy,
visit: co.jefferson.wa.us/1969/Parks-Rec-Levy <https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1969/Parks-Rec-Levy> .
To see this press release on our website, visit: Jefferson County Commissioners Add Parks & Recreation Levy Lid Lift to the August Ballot • Jefferson County, WA <https://co.jefferson.wa.us/m/newsflas
h/home/detail/1735>
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Thank you,
Liz Anderson
Communications Specialist
Jefferson County
360-774-0554 (direct line)
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