FAQ - Levies

A. The nationwide recession has pushed the market value of housing downward throughout Washington County. Since Oregon voters approved Measure 50 in 1997, property tax rates have been applied to the assessed value of property, not market value. Assessed value differs from market value in that assessed value is “capped” by state law at 3 percent growth per year (with some exceptions such as for new construction). For many residents, this means assessed values are still well below market values.

The Public Safety Levy Renewal would continue a fixed-rate of 42¢ per $1,000 of assessed value, which would be unchanged from the current rate. A five-year local option levy is proposed to replace the expiring four-year levy that ends in June 2011. A typical homeowner would pay about $90 in 2011-2012.

The Library Levy Renewal would continue a fixed-rate of 17¢ per $1,000 of assessed value, which would also be unchanged from the current rate. A five-year local option levy is proposed to replace the expiring four-year levy that ends in June 2011. A typical homeowner would pay about $37 in 2011-2012.

These estimates assume that the countywide average assessed value (not market value) of a residential property in Washington County is $215,089.
See also:

• Public Safety Levy Renewal Page
• Oregon's Property Tax System
• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. If either the Public Safety Levy Renewal or Library Levy Renewal passes, or if both pass, taxpayers would first see renewal levies on their property tax statements in October 2011. The last payment for either of these renewal levies would be on their property tax statements in October 2015.
See also:

• Public Safety Levy Renewal Page
• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. Washington County is proposing a longer length for the Public Safety and Library levies, five years instead of four years, to provide greater funding stability for public services and decrease election-related expenses that occur when levies are put on the ballot. Voter-authorized local option levies for general purposes, such as public safety or library services, may be imposed for a maximum of five years at a time.
See also:

• Public Safety Levy Renewal Page
• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. Since Oregon voters approved Measure 50 in 1997, local governments and special districts in Oregon have not been permitted to ask voters for increases in permanent property tax rates. Also, increases in the assessed value of property are capped at 3 percent per year, with some exceptions such as for new construction. When a permanent rate of a local government does not provide enough revenue to meet estimated expenditures, local governments may raise property taxes above their permanent rates only by voter approval of a “local option levy.” Voter-authorized local option levies for general purposes, such as public safety or library services, may be imposed for a maximum of five years at a time.
See also:

• Public Safety Levy Renewal Page
• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. For over 34 years, public library service in Washington County has been provided through a unique partnership between the County, cities and non-profit library associations called Washington County Cooperative Library Services, or WCCLS.
• This proposed levy would provide funding for local public libraries in 12 communities, including: Banks, Beaverton (2 libraries), Cedar Mill (2 libraries), Cornelius, Forest Grove, Garden Home, Hillsboro (2 libraries), North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, and West Slope.

In this Cooperative Library Services partnership:
• The County provides centralized services for member libraries (for example libraries share a computer network managed and paid for centrally, rather than each library running its own library computer system). This allows residents to have access to all 15 library collections through one shared catalog. The combined total collection size is about 1.5 million items.
• The County contracts with cities and non-profit associations that run libraries to provide library service to all county residents. This allows communities to provide library service based on locally determined needs.
• Prior to the formation of WCCLS in 1976, over half of the county population had no library service. This included residents of some cities and all the unincorporated areas of the county. WCCLS was formed to collect taxes from all county residents (incorporated and unincorporated areas) and redistribute the funds to those cities and non-profits that ran public libraries in order to provide service for all residents.

See also:

• Li brary Levy Renewal Page

A. About half of all Washington County residents hold library cards (over 255,000 people).

People visit libraries in Washington County about 3.9 million times a year.

See also:

• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. Yes.

• In 2009 countywide circulation reached a record 10.5 million checkouts.
• Most measures of library use have increased at double-digit rates over the last two years including checkouts (32%), library visitors (22%), and children’s program participation (38%).
• Since 2000, County population has increased 22%, while use of libraries has increased 142%.
• Based on WCCLS circulation statistics, library checkouts are projected to continue to increase over 9% annually during the 5-year term of the levy, passing 18 million checkouts in 2016.
• Circulation per capita (library checkouts per total population) in Washington County is higher than the national average. [National circulation per capita for FY2007-2008 (latest national figures available) was 7.7 according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services report available at: http://harvester.census.gov/imls/pubs/Publications/pls2008.pdf
• FY2008 Washington County checkouts per capita = 16.5. Total FY2007-0808 circulation as compiled by WCCLS = 8,425,822; population = 511,075. Population from Center for Population Research, PSU, at
http://www.pdx.edu/sites/www.pdx.edu.prc/files/media_assets/PopRpt09b.pdf

See also:

• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. Member Libraries do three things:

• Locally determine facility and service levels (fund, build, manage and maintain library buildings, supplement county funding based on locally-determined community service priorities),
• Locally determine operations (hours, programs, collections, and staffing).
• Serve as the primary providers of public library service to all residents.

See also:

• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. Additional funding through a 4-year local option levy was authorized by voters in 2006.

• In November 2002 county residents had the opportunity to vote on a library operating levy to enhance and maintain library operations for 2002 through 2008. That levy was defeated by a narrow margin of 611 votes out of over 145,000 ballots cast. (49.8% to 50.2%)
• A similar operating levy on the May 2004 ballot passed, but did not receive the 50% voter turnout necessary to implement the measure.
• Countywide service reductions were implemented as a result, including reduced open hours, book purchases, and programs for children and adults. As a result, WCCLS and member libraries reduced operational costs and adjusted spending, trying to limit the effect of service reductions on library users.
• In November 2006 a four-year levy was approved by 57% of voters providing approximately $28 million over four years to restore and maintain countywide library services.
• That levy will expire in June 2011.
• It provides about 1/3 of total WCCLS funding. (The other 2/3 comes from the County’s General Fund.)

See also:

• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. The County does three things:

• It is the primary funding source for public library service.
• The County provides support services to member libraries (such as a shared computer catalog, Internet access, delivering books among libraries, youth services programs, etc.),
• The County provides outreach to special populations (such as homebound residents), and manages the West Slope Community Library in the West Slope/Raleigh Park area, the only County-operated public library.

See also:

• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. Until 1997, WCCLS operated entirely on serial levies authorized by voters.

• Between 1976 and 1996, WCCLS operated on serial levies that were approved by voters.
• With the passage of Ballot Measure 50 in 1997, the WCCLS serial levy was rolled into the County’s General Fund (the County’s permanent tax base). The Cooperative Library Advisory Board (CLAB) and the County Board of Commissioners agreed to a five year financial plan for WCCLS that included on-going funding from the General Fund.
• In addition, the plan called for WCCLS to supplement General Fund revenues with money from a WCCLS reserve fund that had built up in the early 1990’s due to unexpected growth in property values. Until the reserve fund was depleted, WCCLS was able to maintain public library funding without having to reduce library services.
• That interim funding plan ended in 2003-04, when approx. 90% of the reserve fund had been expended (that was the plan).

See also:

• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. The cost and terms would be:
• It would be a five-year levy (July 2011 through June 2016). This levy would replace the current four-year levy that will expire in June 2011.
• It would be a fixed rate of 17 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation which is unchanged from the current rate.
• It would cost the average homeowner about $37 in 2011-12.
• This is based on an average assessed home value of $215,089 (assessed value is different than market value).
• Taxes for future years would depend upon changes in assessed value.
• Estimated revenues from the levy in FY2011-12 are $8,238,000 (estimated five-year total of $44.2 million)
• The expiring levy provides approximately 1/3 of funding for WCCLS. (The other 2/3 of funding comes from the County’s General Fund.)

See also:

• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. Without levy funding, reductions in services would occur based on local library priorities.
• The expiring levy provides approximately 1/3 of WCCLS funding. Without levy funding, reductions in hours, book purchases and service levels would be determined by member libraries based on local service priorities.
• That information is available at local libraries or on the wccl.org website.

See also:

• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. A librarian can provide more information, or contact WCCLS at (503)846-3222, or visit this web site for more information:

www.WCCLS.org/levy


See also:

• Library Levy Renewal Page

A. The levy would provide support for public library services countywide in five ways:

1. Support countywide library operations:
• WCCLS is a partnership between the County, 9 cities and 2 non-profit organizations to provide public library service to all county residents.
• The levy would continue support for WCCLS public libraries in Banks, Beaverton, Cedar Mill, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Garden Home, Hillsboro, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, and West Slope.
• Approximately 80% of levy funds would be distributed to these public libraries to support operational costs such as open hours, staffing, books, and programs.
• These libraries have continued to respond to increased use from residents, including increased checkouts (32%) and library visitors (22%) over the last two years.

2. Support reading programs for children:
• Funds would continue support for children’s programs such as the annual summer reading program and literacy programs that help prepare preschoolers to enter school “ready to read.”
• Over 170,000 residents participated in children’s library programs last year, and participation has increased 38% in two years.
• About 25,000 children participate in summer reading activities designed to sustain reading retention between school years.

3. Purchase books and materials:
• Levy funds would be used to purchase books and other materials that are available to residents through all WCCLS libraries.

4. Support library information and resources for job-seekers:
• Funds would continue library services that provide information, resources and instruction to assist those in our community who are looking for jobs.
• This includes things such as staff assistance with Internet and computer access to help people update resumes and complete online job applications, access to online civil service exams, and other career information.

5. Support central and outreach services that link libraries together and serve all residents:
• Funds would maintain daily book deliveries among libraries to fill patron requests.
Deliveries have increased 35% over the last two years as library use has increased (75% over the last three years).
• Funds would maintain the WCCLS website and shared library catalog used by all public libraries countywide and used by approximately 255,000 active library cardholders.
• Funds would provide outreach services to special populations such as mail delivery of books to homebound residents, and literacy training in English and Spanish to instruct child care providers parents on reading activities that can be incorporated into child care routines.
• In combination with existing technology reserves, funds would continue supporting services and technologies designed to increase library efficiency.

See also:

• Library Levy Reneal Page

A. Renewing the expiring Public Safety Levy would generate close to $110 million over five fiscal years. The year-by-year totals would be:

$20.3 million in 2011-2012
$21.1 million in 2012-2013
$21.8 million in 2013-2014
$22.6 million in 2014-2015
$23.4 million in 2015-2016

See also:

• Public Safety Levy Renewal Page

A. Although Washington County is proposing the same fixed tax rate of 42¢ per $1,000 of assessed value over five years for the Public Safety Levy Renewal, the revenue generated should be able to support the current level of levy-funded public safety services over the next five years. This is because the County estimates that assessed values will continue to grow as the economy continues to recover. Assessed value differs from market value in that assessed value is “capped” by state law at 3 percent growth per year, with some exceptions such as for new construction.
See also:

• Public Safety Levy Renewal Page
• Oregon's Property Tax System

A. The expiring Public Safety Levy provides funding for about 16 percent of the County justice system workforce. Although public safety would remain a priority, reductions would need to be determined by the County’s criminal justice leaders and the Board of Commissioners if there were no levy funding. These reductions would affect prosecution, law enforcement, supervision, corrections and emergency shelters.
See also:

• Public Safety Levy Renewal Page

A. A renewed Public Safety Levy would provide part of the funding for services such as supervision and compliance monitoring of registered sex offenders. These services include:

Community Corrections:
• Ongoing active community supervision by a Probation/Parole Officer including mandatory visits to the Department of Community Corrections, visits by a Probation/Parole officer to the offender's home, and polygraph tests.
• Supervision also includes risk assessment, referral to treatment and other oversight.
• In all cases, Community Corrections engages in close coordination with the offender's family, the community, and law enforcement.

District Attorney’s Office:
• Provides law enforcement agencies with legal assistance in investigations of violators and in preparation of arrest warrants if needed.
• Reviews and prosecutes charges of misdemeanor and felony Failure to Register as a Sex Offender referred by city and county law enforcement agencies.

Juvenile Services:
• The “Breaking the Cycle” program provides both court services and supervision to juvenile sex offenders. The primary goal of the Breaking the Cycle program is to prevent repeat offending.
• The number of youths completing the program successfully and their cases closed was 96% in 2009.
• In the seven years since the program began, only six youth under supervision have been referred for repeat offending. (Source: Washington County Juvenile Department) The program supervises approximately 400 youth a year.

Sheriff’s Office:
• The Washington County Sheriff's Office created a Criminal Apprehension Team (C.A.T.) whose mission includes Sex Offender compliance operations.
• The team makes random home and employment visits to ensure continued compliance of registration requirements.
• Actively works with our community partners to ensure compliance (this includes participation with the United States Marshall Service).
• Enforces violations of compliance and registration restrictions.

See also:

• Public Safety Levy Renewal Page

A. A renewed Public Safety levy would provide funds for personnel and services over five years to:
• Maintain supervision and compliance monitoring of registered sex offenders;
• Operate the jail and work release center at full capacity, minimizing the early release of offenders;
• Investigate crimes and prosecute criminals;
• Serve all areas of the county with special enforcement teams, prosecutors, probation and parole officers, juvenile counselors and other public safety personnel;
• Support emergency shelters for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

See also:

• Public Safety Levy Renewal Page

A. Services to victims are an important part of the countywide criminal justice system. Victims of domestic violence and other crimes tend to be families. In many cases, women and children can no longer safely reside in their homes after these crimes have occurred. Renewal of the Public Safety Levy would continue to help pay for emergency shelters for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Shelters currently funded by the levy are operated by Community Action, the Domestic Violence Resource Center, Family Bridge Interfaith Network and the Good Neighbor Center.

See also:

• Public Safety Levy Renewal Emergency Shelters Page

A. The Public Safety Levy Renewal would continue to fund approximately 132 full-time-equivalent positions throughout the criminal justice system. The same 132 public safety positions funded by the expiring levy would be funded by the renewed levy. Also, the renewed levy would continue a fixed-rate of 42¢ per $1,000 of assessed value, which would be unchanged from the current rate.
See also:

• Public Safety Levy Renewal Page

A. The Washington County general fund and Public Safety Levy together provide a base level of .50 officers per 1,000 residents in the unincorporated area, prosecution services through the District Attorney’s Office, jail and work release center beds, juvenile services and probation and parole supervision of offenders. These services are provided inside and outside of cities on a countywide basis. The officers and support personnel funded by the Public Safety Levy also include members of special enforcement teams such as the Major Crimes, SWAT, Fraud and Identity Theft, Gangs and Narcotics teams that serve all areas of the county.

The Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District (ESPD) provides enhanced levels of patrol services in addition to the base-level services mentioned above. This is accomplished by urban unincorporated property owners paying additional property taxes to Washington County for patrol services provided through the ESPD. The additional level of patrol services funded by the ESPD results in another .50 officers per 1,000 residents deployed to the urban unincorporated area. When combined with the countywide base of .50 officers per 1,000, urban unincorporated residents are served by roughly 1.00 officer per 1,000 residents, a level of service-per-residents approaching that found in many urban areas. (Source: Washington County Strategic Plan)

See also:

• Public Safety Levy Renewal Page
• ESPD Page
• Washington County Strategic Plan