Pros, Cons Of 3 Edmonds Levies to Raise Property Taxes Presented Tonight

As part of the Nov. 8 general election, voters will have the opportunity to cast their vote for three proposed levies put to Edmonds homeowners: $1 million for city services, $1 million for street pavement overlays and $500,000 to fund building maintenance and park improvements.

A forum tonight will include representatives speaking on the pros and cons. Audience members can also ask questions or raise concerns.

The event will be held at City Council Chambers at 250 Fifth Ave. N. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the forum begins at 7.

The levies are the result of Mayor Mike Cooper’s that the council members work on presenting tax increases to voters to help with public safety, as well as maintaining and improving street and park improvements and contributing to the city’s general fund.

If all three levies are passed, owners of a $375,000 home would pay about $161 a year more in property taxes.

Proposition 1: Ordinance No. 3848 seeks to maintain current levels of service in public safety, parks and other city services.

Proposition 2: Ordinance No. 3849 would fund street pavement overlays, where asphalt is added to existing streets to improve their longevity.

Proposition 3: Ordinance No. 3850 seeks to fund building maintenance and park improvements.

The proposed levies are for three years.

Here are the names behind the pro and con statements on voter pamphlets being mailed on Wednesday:

Proposition 1

For: Edmonds City Council President Strom Peterson, Dave Page, Kelly Schwarting

Against: City Councilman DJ Wilson and Harry Gatjens. Also on the pamphlet as against are councilmembers Michael Plunkett and Lora Petso.

Proposition 2

For: Darrol Haug, Graham Marmion, Walter Peale

Against: DJ Wilson

Proposition 3

For: City Councilman Steve Bernheim, Bill Keppler, Daniel McMillin

Against: DJ Wilson