Clallam County Voters to Decide on Library Levy Lid Lift

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Clallam County voters will decide in a special election next month whether to approve a levy lid lift for the North Olympic Library System. Library leaders say the measure would restore the district's regular property tax rate to 45 cents per one-thousand dollars of assessed value, up from the current rate of about 28 cents per thousand. The new rate would take effect in 2027 if approved, costing the owner of a $400,000 home an additional $5.67 per month.

Why it matters

The library system relies on levy dollars for nearly 90% of its operating budget, and the current tax rate has gradually dropped over time, making it difficult to keep up with rising costs. Passing the lid lift would provide the necessary funding to maintain library services and programs for the community.

The details

Under state law, junior taxing districts like libraries can only increase collections by one percent a year unless voters approve a lid lift. The North Olympic Library System is seeking the lid lift to restore its regular property tax rate to 45 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, up from the current rate of about 28 cents per thousand.

• Ballots for the April 28th special election will be mailed to registered voters.
• The new tax rate would take effect in 2027 if the measure is approved.

What’s next

A simple majority of voters is required to approve the levy lid lift measure.