The Gist
Home

Ballot question

Whitman County Rural Library District Proposition 1: restore levy rate to $0.45 per $1,000

On the ballot in
Whitman County Rural Library District
Vote
Yes or no
Election
Nov 3, 2026

The question, as printed on the ballot

The Board of Trustees of the Whitman County Rural Library District adopted a Resolution concerning the Rural Library District's regular property tax levy rate. If approved, this Proposition would restore the Rural Library District's regular property tax levy rate to $0.45 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026, for collection in 2027 and maintain that rate authorization for each of the nine succeeding years. (the actual levy rate may be reduced below the authorized maximum in any year based on annual budget requirements) and use the 2036 levy amount to calculate subsequent levy limits under chapter 84.55 RCW. Should this proposition be approved

A “Yes” vote means

The library district's regular property tax rate is restored to $0.45 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026 (collected in 2027), with that maximum rate authorized for the following nine years.

A “No” vote means

The library district's regular levy rate is not restored to $0.45 per $1,000 and stays under existing levy limits.

Official plain English statement

Whitman County Rural Library District serves 14 communities, offering free access to resources, programs, and welcoming spaces where people come together to learn, connect, and grow. Rising costs and state tax limitations have reduced the District’s levy rate over time, creating a gap between revenue and the cost of services. This proposition would increase the annual cost for a $275,000 home by $14.30 and establish a self-imposed maximum levy rate of $0.45 per $1,000 for ten years. This rate is below the state limit and reflects the District’s commitment to requesting only funding needed to provide stable, predictable library services.

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.