Primary Contact Email: DBrown@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
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Discussion of a proposed ordinance providing for the submission of a proposition to the qualified electors of Whatcom County authorizing the County to lift the limit on regular property taxes under Chapter 84.55 RCW for the purpose of funding for childcare, early learning programs, and increased support for vulnerable children
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SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Councilmembers to discuss a ordinance that would submit to the Whatcom County Auditor, for inclusion on the ballot in a special election to be held concurrently with the November 8, 2022, general election, a proposition to the qualified voters of the County to approve or reject a levy above the regular property tax limitations established in RCW 84.55.010 for the funding of childcare and early childhood programs to improve kindergarten readiness and funding for support of homeless and otherwise vulnerable children. The proposed levy lid lift authorized by the proposition would permit the County to increase its regular property tax levy by $0.19 per $1000 of assessed valuation, resulting in a regular property tax levy of $0.94 per $1000 of assessed valuation for collection in 2023 (calculated using the regular property tax rate in 2022, based on total assessed value in 2021), and to increase the levy thereafter as allowed by chapter 84.55 RCW to allow for the uninterrupted continuation of the levy lid lift for a term of ten (10) years. The amount collected in 2023 and in the following 9 years will be approximately $8,200,000.00 annually. Pursuant to RCW 84.55.050(5), the maximum regular property taxes that may be levied in 2032 for collection in 2033 and in later years shall be computed as if the proposition under this resolution had not been approved.