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King County voters are set to decide on a levy renewal that funds most of the King County Parks’ budget.
The King County Council on Tuesday approved placing the levy proposal on the upcoming August primary ballot, an election that typically sees lower voter turnout compared to general elections.
The council approved the levy by a 7-2 vote with King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Sarah Perry voting in opposition.
Last week, the levy was trimmed down by the King County Regional Policy Committee to a levy rate of 23.29 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. The original proposal was set at 24 cents.
The change reduced proposed spending by $23.5 million, bringing total projected revenue to about $1.45 billion over six years.
A median King County homeowner would pay about $198 per year, which is roughly $4 less than in the original proposal.
Acting King County Executive Shannon Braddock said the levy proposal helps with residents’ needs for improved outdoor recreation.
“They want us to expand access to outdoor recreation and uphold our promise as stewards of these special places,” Braddock said in a statement. “Our proposal for the August ballot is designed to achieve both.”
The current six-year parks levy generates about 85% of King County Parks’ budget, but it is set to expire at the end of the year.
If passed, levy funds would go toward establishing a climate response fund, upgrades at Marymoor Park in Redmond and Weyerhaeuser Aquatic Center in Federal Way, building Skyway’s first community center, funding educational programs, and creating a sports complex in South King County.
Funding would also increase the county park agency’s capacity to provide upkeep of its park and trail system.
“This is our opportunity to increase King County Parks’ capacity for maintenance and safety, enhance sports fields, playgrounds, and aquatic centers, protect more open space for a growing population, and accelerate the expansion of regional trails,” Braddock said.
History shows that the King County Parks levy is favorable to voters even as the tax rate increases. The current six-year levy was approved by over 70% of voters in 2019.