City of Langley Proposition 1: property tax levy lid lift for city services and technology ($1.01 → $1.66 per $1,000)

Official plain English statement

The City of Langley relies on property taxes to provide essential public services. The current property tax levy has not kept pace with inflation due to the 101% levy limit factor imposed by chapter 84.55 RCW. In addition, certain City expenses, such as liability and property insurance, have increased at a rate significantly higher than inflation. The City has determined that general fund revenues will fall short of expenditures if existing service levels are maintained under the current levy. To continue balancing its budget, the City has implemented other available revenue measures, reduced staffing, deferred investments, and narrowed its work to focus on providing essential city services and maintaining legal compliance. The purpose of this levy lid lift is to provide for the continual provision of government services at current levels or better and to update the City's operating and electronic technology to better serve the community. The money collected will be used to fund general City services. The City of Langley's current property tax rate is 1.0106789 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. If this proposition passes, the City of Langley could levy up to an additional $0.648544721 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for a total rate $1.66 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for collection in 2027 and annually thereafter. Pursuant to RCW 84.36.381, an exemption for senior citizens and persons with disabilities is provided. If approved, this proposition would increase property taxes in 2027 approximately $42 per month for the average residence valued in 2026 at $770,000.