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Ballot question

Timberland Regional Library Proposition 1: levy lid lift ($0.22 to $0.35 per $1,000)

On the ballot in
Timberland Regional Library District
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

Timberland Regional Library District Proposition No. 1 Regular Property Tax Levy Lid Lift for Library Services, Operations and Maintenance The Timberland Regional Library District's Board of Trustees adopted Resolution No. 26-002 concerning a proposed increase of the District's regular levy rate. If approved, this proposition would restore the District's regular property tax levy rate for library services, operations and maintenance from $0.22 to $0.35 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for both 2027 and 2028, subject to applicable limitations. The resulting 2028 levy dollar amount would be used for the purpose of computing subsequent levy limitations under chapter 84.55 RCW. Should this proposition be approved?

A “Yes” vote means

Raises the library district's regular property tax from about $0.22 to $0.35 per $1,000 of assessed value for 2027 and 2028; the 2028 amount becomes the base for later limits.

A “No” vote means

Keeps the library levy at its current rate under the 1% annual limit; the library says reductions in staffing, hours and materials would begin in 2027.

Official plain English statement

State law allows Timberland Regional Library District (the “Library”) to annually collect up to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value to fund Library services, operations, maintenance and improvements. Due to tax limitation laws, the Library has collected at a lower rate for many years. The Library last requested an increase in 2009, but that resolution was not adopted. Approval of Proposition 1 would authorize the Library to reset its regular property tax levy from $0.228924 to $0.35 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2027 and 2028. For example, the estimated increase for a home valued at $334,000 is about $40.44 annually, or $3.37 monthly. The resulting 2028 levy amount would be used to calculate all applicable tax limitations thereafter. If approved by voters, Proposition 1 would provide funding necessary to maintain Library services, staffing, collections, and open hours. If not approved, further reductions in staffing, books and materials, hours, online services, bookmobile services and programming will begin in 2027, and maintenance and improvements of Library facilities could also be delayed.

Also on the ballot in Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties (checked against the Thurston, Lewis and Pacific sample ballots). TRL says Mossyrock, Napavine, Ocean Shores, Pe Ell and Vader have not contracted or annexed for library service.

Sources

The question and plain English statement are copied word for word from official election materials. The Gist does not take a side on ballot questions.