King County

Law enforcement agencies across King County rely on the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to prevent wrongful convictions and keep our criminal justice system running efficiently. If passed, King County Measure 1 would once again renew funding for the regional AFIS system levy for seven years.

Last approved in 2018, the levy would renew funding for AFIS at a lower rate – $0.0275 per $1,000 in assessed property value – than the existing levy. The levy renewal is estimated to cost the owner of a $845,000 home approximately $23 in its first year, raising its low rate by 1% annually for the following six years it is in effect.

AFIS is an enhanced forensic fingerprint and palmprint tool for both identification and exoneration. It ensures that the administration of justice in our county is using the most up-to-date and accurate technology available. AFIS has responded to more than 5,000 crime scenes and processed nearly 26,000 items of evidence in the past two years alone. The system holds nearly 3 million identification records that expedite the justice process and allow for better use of other tax-funded forensic resources.

AFIS has been an asset to victims, defendants, and the community since 1986. Vote Yes to renew funding for this important technology that keeps our communities safe.

Due to its aging infrastructure, Enumclaw School District is in need of critical repairs to maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment for its students. Enumclaw School District Proposition 1 will provide funding for important repairs to fire alarms, HVAC systems, roofing, and more for several of the district's schools. 

The recommended repairs were decided by the Facilities Oversight for Capital Utilization and Sustainability (FOCUS) Committee, comprised of 21 community members. According to the district website, the "FOCUS Committee met 13 times to study district needs and discuss viable solutions" to make detailed and thorough maintenance recommendations. At an estimated levy rate of $0.37 per $1,000, the levy would cost the owner of a median $587,000 home about $217 per year. 

With public schools under constant attack from the current administration, it has never been more important to support our schools. Vote Yes on Enumclaw School District, Proposition 1 to ensure local students have access to safe, secure, and well-maintained schools.

Like school districts across the state, Mercer Island relies on local bonds and levies to cover the operations, learning, and infrastructure needs beyond what the state provides. Mercer Island School District, Proposition 1 would authorize the district to issue bonds for modernizing facilities, improving school safety, and enhancing learning for all students.

The Mercer Island School Board put this bond before voters as widespread budget shortfalls have left Mercer Island teachers, students, and families asking for state action and local solutions. If passed, the proposition would issue $165,000,000 of general obligation bonds to cover upgrades to Islander Middle School and Mercer Island High School. Specific priorities include updating heating and cooling systems, constructing school additions, increasing ADA accessibility, updating fire alarm systems, and more.

Vote Yes on Mercer Island School District, Proposition 1 to ensure our students have the facilities they need to learn and thrive.

We all benefit when our crisis response resources have stable funding and are distributed effectively. King County Fire Protection District 40 Proposition 1 would combine the district with the Renton Regional Fire Authority (RRFA) to ensure a smooth operation of services and strategic use of district funding.

Currently, King County’s Fire Protection District 40 contracts heavily from the RRFA. As a result, this proposition is not expected to change services in the district. Rather, the district leadership feels that by annexing into RRFA, the district can reduce costs for residents in the long term and improve representation of the district in fire authority decisions.

If Proposition 1 passes, local funding would shift from Fire District 40 to the RRFA. Importantly, District 40 residents will have greater representation on the governance board. In addition, District 40 residents will be able to vote on all RRFA ballot measures relating to taxation.

When it comes to crisis response, it is critical that residents can rely on a fully funded, efficient fire district. Vote Yes on King County Fire Protection District 40 Proposition 1 to keep our district safe and running smoothly.

Everyone deserves to feel safe knowing that quality emergency help is just a call away. King County Fire District 45 (aka Duvall Fire) Proposition 1 would ensure that a stable source of emergency funding, in the form of a benefit charge, will remain in place in our community.

Duvall Fire serves Duvall residents’ emergency response needs through a contract with Eastside Fire & Rescue. Funding to cover these costs comes from a tax called a fire benefit charge – a tax that overlays general property taxes to take into account how some properties benefit from fire and EMS services more than others. This ensures that everyone pays their share so that our services can continue operating effectively. Duvall Fire currently utilizes revenue from a benefit charge in order to deliver the quality services we all rely on, including emergency medical treatment, firefighting and prevention, technical and water rescue, and more.

If renewed in the form of Proposition 1, Duvall’s benefit charge would be extended for another six years after its last voter approval back in 2019. The cost to taxpayers is calculated by accounting for property size, use class, and fire risk. With a benefit charge in place, the district could not impose a fire tax levy at a rate exceeding $1.00 per $1,000 in assessed property value. This benefit charge is necessary for maintaining the current level of service that Duvall residents expect and need.

When a loved one has an emergency, we don’t want to wonder if our crisis response services have the proper staffing and equipment to help; we want it to be a given that they will be there when we need them. Vote Yes on Duvall Fire Proposition 1 to extend critical funding for these services.

Woodinville Fire & Rescue Proposition 1 seeks to renew the funding for local emergency services. Since its introduction in 1989, the fire and rescue benefit charge has been renewed every 6 years, most recently in 2019. 

Like its predecessors, Proposition 1 would account for 34% of the department's budget and maintain quality response time and service for constituents. Funding to cover these costs comes from a tax called a fire benefit charge – a tax that overlays general property taxes to take into account how some properties benefit from fire and EMS services more than others. This ensures that everyone pays their share so that our services can continue operating effectively. If the Benefit Charge is not renewed, the Woodinville Fire and Rescue Department's operating budget will have to be reduced, which could lead to a decreased quality of service to residents.

Vote YES to the Woodinville Fire & Rescue Proposition 1 to renew the ongoing Benefit Charge to ensure high-quality fire and rescue services.