What is Proposition 1?
 

Proposition 1 is a renewal of the City of Montesano property tax levy originally approved by voters in 2018.

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The Basic City Levy contributes to Montesano’s General Fund, which helps pay for services and operations across City departments.

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The proposed levy would last for six years, beginning in 2027.

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Why is additional levy revenue being requested?

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The cost of labor, goods, and services for the City has increased by more than 36% over the past five years. During that time, City departments have reviewed their budgets, reduced expenses and programs, and deferred some maintenance and improvements in order to balance their budgets.

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The additional levy revenue would help the City address some of these deferred needs while maintaining City services. This includes maintenance and improvements to City facilities, some of which are not currently fully accessible to all residents.

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The levy would provide funding for the Fire Department to:

• Replace essential equipment that is scheduled to expire in 2028.

• Add two full-time Firefighter/EMTs, with one planned for late 2027 and the second in mid-2028.

• Staff a two-person Fire/EMS crew 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round.

• Provide an additional firefighter during the critical first minutes of a structure fire.

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Having two responders available improves the Department’s ability to provide adequate patient care, respond to emergencies, and safely perform tasks that can be difficult or unsafe for a single responder.

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What other City projects are needed?

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In addition to Fire & EMS needs, the City has several major maintenance and replacement projects to address. Examples include:

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• City Hall painting and window replacement: approximately $500,000

• Fire Department HVAC replacement: approximately $50,000

• City Hall HVAC maintenance and replacement: approximately $70,000

• Required updates to the Police Department evidence room

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These are just a few examples of projects needed across the City. Several of these building systems and components are at or beyond their expected service life, resulting in more frequent repairs and reduced reliability.

 

 

​What is the proposed tax rate?

 

For 2027, the proposed rate is:

$3.22 per $1,000 of assessed property value

Your actual property tax amount will depend on the assessed value of your property.

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For 2028 through 2032, the levy amount would be adjusted using the measure’s approved limit factor. The actual tax rate may change as property values change, but the rate would not exceed $3.22 per $1,000 of assessed value.

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What could this mean for a Montesano homeowner?

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When the levy was approved in 2018, the rate was $3.22 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Since then, the rate has decreased to approximately $1.70 per $1,000.

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Proposition 1 would set the 2027 levy rate at $3.22 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Here is an example of what the change would mean for a home assessed at $309,000:

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Is this a new levy or an additional tax?​

No. This renews the 2018 Levy, for which voters approved a rate of $3.22.  The 2018 Levy expires 12/31/2026. The 2026 Levy will replace the 2018 Levy.

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Didn't we just give the Fire Department money?

Yes. Voters approved a $427,000 bond specifically to purchase a new ambulance, replacing the Department’s 2009 ambulance, which had become increasingly unreliable and costly to repair. The new ambulance is currently being built and is expected in 2027.

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Proposition 1 is different. Levy funding would help the Department plan for ongoing capital needs and future apparatus replacement rather than relying solely on individual bond measures or financing when major equipment needs to be replaced.

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Still have questions about Proposition 1?
We want to make sure you have the information you need. You’re welcome to email the Fire Chief with your questions.​​​​​​​​​​​​

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