Proposition 5: Police Services Levy

To address the growing demand for police services in Vancouver, the City Council unanimously approved resolution 164-25, which refers a property tax levy lid lift, Proposition 5: Police Services Levy to the Nov. 4 General Election ballot.

Demand for police services in Vancouver continues to grow 

Vancouver’s population continues to grow, and with that growth comes an increased demand for police services. Since 2017, call volume has increased by 24%, contributing to longer response times, greater reliance on overtime to maintain coverage, and reduced capacity for investigations, leaving approximately 3,200 cases uninvestigated each year. Compounding the issue, the increasing complexity of calls frequently requires multiple officers for extended periods of time, resulting in the diversion of resources from other parts of the City.

Vancouver operates the second lowest-staffed police department among Washington cities with over 100,000 people, and Washington state ranks the lowest in the US for police officer staffing per 1000 residents. With 1.19 officers per thousand residents, officers are required to work longer shifts, which increases the cost of police services due to overtime and puts stress on officers.

Proposition 5: Police Services Levy is part of a multi-source investment in police services that includes a council-initiated sales tax and the state’s new public safety grant program to support the hiring and retention of police officers. When combined with Proposition 5, these three funding sources will enable the City to reach a staffing level more appropriate for Vancouver’s continued growth, officer wellness and community expectations.

What will Proposition 5: Police Services Levy pay for?

When the City hires officers, we need to provide them with gear, vehicles, training, and the staff to support them. The Police Services Levy includes only the cost of hiring police officers and what it takes to support them across the justice system.

• Add up to 13 full-time equivalent sworn police officers in a range of ranks and assignments

• The equipment and vehicles for new staff consistent with current and future policing standards

• Administrative and staffing costs to support the investments in officers and equipment

• Additional prosecution and criminal justice costs

How much will Proposition 5: Police Services Levy cost?

The levy will increase Vancouver’s regular property tax by $0.15 per $1,000 assessed value, for a rate not to exceed $2.47 per $1,000 assessed value. Under the proposed increase, owners of a $500,000 home would pay an estimated $75.00 per year or about $6.25 a month.

How much will Proposition 5: Police Services Levy raise?

The levy is anticipated to raise $6 million annually over six years starting in 2026. The amount approved will be used for calculating future levies.

How was Proposition 5: Police Services Levy developed? 

The tools available to local governments to help fund police services have changed since the City asked voters to consider police funding last year.

Earlier this year, Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 2015, creating two new public safety funding options for cities: a $100 million grant program and a council-approved safety sales tax.

After last fall’s Proposition 4 did not pass, the City Manager reconvened the 13-member Police Advisory Committee to help chart the City’s next steps. The committee met with the City Manager and Police Department staff three times between April and June to discuss police priorities and potential funding solutions.

The committee recommended a multi-source investment strategy that includes the voter-approved Proposition 5, the Council-approved public safety sales tax, and applying for the state grant. Together, these three sources of revenue could fund up to 25 sworn staff and up to 10 non-sworn staff. Proposition 5’s property tax increase alone would enable the City to hire 13 full-time equivalent officers in a range of ranks and positions, as well as the positions and resources needed to support the officers.

How is Proposition 5 different than Proposition 4?

Proposition 5 is a scaled-back proposal that focuses specifically on sworn police officers, the equipment they need to do their jobs, and related criminal justice system costs. Also, it asks for 13 officers in contrast to the 80 officers and 36 non-sworn police positions asked for in Proposition 4. This request is smaller because the City now has access to additional funding sources to help cover police services. These include two new public safety funding options for cities: a $100 million grant program signed by Governor Ferguson and a future public safety sales tax that will be considered by the City Council. Proposition 5 is also structured as a single-year levy lid lift. The amount approved will become the basis for calculating future levies until the measure expires. In contrast, Proposition 4 was a multi-year levy lid lift that requested a higher amount each year.

What will I see on the ballot? 

In Washington, ballot titles are limited to 75 words to ensure clarity, neutrality, and accessibility for voters. This word limit is outlined in RCW 29A.72.050. The following image shows what Proposition 5 will look like on the ballot.

What is a levy lid lift?

In Washington, a levy lid lift is a voter-approved measure that allows a taxing district—like a city, county, or special district—to increase its regular property tax levy beyond the standard 1% annual limit set by state law. A levy limit may be exceeded when authorized by a majority of the voters voting on a proposition to “lift the lid” of the levy limit as described in RCW 84.55.050.  For more information, view Section 458-19-045 of the Washington Administrative Code.

Property tax exemption program

Per the Revised Code of Washington, RCW 84.36.383, qualifying seniors, veterans, and others would be exempt, which provides limited property tax relief to specific classes of individuals. Learn more about this exemption on the Clark County website.