Levy

Who is exempt from property taxes in Snohomish and Island counties?
Property tax exemptions are available to senior citizens and people with disabilities who meet age/disability, income, ownership, and residency requirements. Other populations including disabled veterans and surviving spouses of veterans, those with limited income, and nonprofit organizations may also be exempt.

Do I have to apply for a property tax exemption?
Yes. Property tax exemptions are not automatic. Eligible homeowners and organizations must apply and provide documentation to qualify. Some programs require periodic renewal or updates to confirm continued eligibility.

Where can I learn more about these exemptions?
• Snohomish County Assessor, opens a new window
• Island County Assessor, opens a new window

What is a levy?
A levy is a tax that's collected for a specific purpose. Many community services are funded through property tax levies, like schools, fire departments, parks — and your library system. Find out where your property taxes are going in Island, opens a new window and Snohomish, opens a new window counties.

Is the library levy new?
No, this is not a new levy. Levies are normal funding for public libraries in Washington state.

How much of the Sno-Isle Libraries budget does the library levy provide?
The library levy provides 91% of Sno-Isle Libraries budget.

Why can't the library receive funding from other sources?
The library does receive funding from other sources, including Washington state grants, investments, donations, contributions from the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation, opens a new window and Friends of the Library, opens a new window, and other taxes, but these make up a small fraction of its budget.

What is the difference between a levy and a levy rate?
Think of a levy as the total amount raised. A levy rate is the amount someone pays per $1,000 of assessed property value.

If property values increase, does a levy increase by the same rate?
No, because there is a legal limit to how much a levy can increase every year without voter approval.

How much can a levy increase per year without voter approval?
Under Washington state law, the total amount a district collects from a regular property tax levy can only increase by 1% a year, even if inflation or service demands rise faster than that.

This 1% cap was created to protect taxpayers from unpredictable increases in tax bills due to rising property values.

Does library funding stay the same?
No, the library levy rate falls over time. As the total value of property in the Library District increases, the tax rate drops so the Library District doesn't collect more than the allowed 1% increase.

Is there a way to increase a levy by more than 1% in a year?
The only way to do this is through voter approval, and that is what this year's vote on the library levy is about. This is a normal, predictable part of library funding in Washington state, and it is the reason the Library District asks for a rate increase every several years.

What does it mean to "restore" the library levy?
State law allows Sno-Isle Intercounty Rural Library District (the "Library District") to collect up to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed property value per year to fund general operations and maintenance. For example, the library levy rate is currently $0.3039084203 per $1,000 of assessed value. Sno-Isle Libraries is asking voters to reset the levy rate to its 2018 level of $0.47 per $1,000 of assessed value.

What is a levy "lid lift"?
A levy lid lift is a term used in local government finance that refers to a voter-approved increase in property tax limits. A levy "lid lift" is the tool voters use to temporarily increase a levy beyond the 1% limit — to restore it back to its original rate.

How often is this on the ballot?
It is common for library districts to return to voters every several years to restore their library levy to keep up with rising costs. In 2018, Sno-Isle Libraries leadership projected the library levy would support services for seven years. The Library District has exceeded its commitment to voters by maintaining the current levy despite rising costs and a greater demand for its services.

When was the last time Sno-Isle Libraries voters approved restoring the library levy?
2018.

What was the library levy rate in 2018?
$0.47 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

What is the library levy rate today?
$0.3039084203 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

What happens to the library levy rate if the measure is approved?
If the measure is approved, the library levy rate would be “restored” to the level voters approved in 2018 ($0.47 per $1,000 of assessed property value).

What happens to the library levy rate if the measure is rejected?
If the measure is rejected, the library levy rate will remain at its current level ($0.3039084203 per $1,000).

How do I calculate how much more of my property taxes would go toward the Library
District if the library levy passes?
If the library levy is restored, you would pay $0.1660915797 more per $1,000 of assessed property value to the Library District.

To calculate what that looks like for your property taxes, multiply your property value by 0.0001660915797. (Example: For $748,100 in assessed property value, $124.25 more of your property taxes would support the Library District. That is $10.35 more per month.)

How do I find out how much I pay in property taxes?
Your property tax information is available through your county assessor's office. Find yours:
• Snohomish County Property Taxes and Assessments
• Island County Property Access

How does the Library District spend taxpayer money?
Library funding supports the operation of a large regional library system serving 800,000+ residents across 23 locations. This includes services such as:
• Physical and digital collections
• Library staff and librarians
• Programs and events for all ages
• Technology access including Wi-Fi and computers
• Building operations and maintenance

Who sets the Sno-Isle Libraries budget?
Every year, the Sno-Isle Libraries Board of Trustees sets the budget for the Library District. The Library District is overseen by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for approving budgets and ensuring funds are used responsibly and transparently.

What will be the deficit in 2027 if the levy restoration does not pass?
Sno-Isle Libraries will be a very different Library District. If the proposal is rejected, the operating deficit in 2027 is projected to be $1.9 million. The deficit will continue to grow each year. In 2028, the deficit will jump to $4.3 million.

Where can I learn more about the Sno-Isle Libraries budget?
Information about Sno-Isle Libraries budgeting and funding can be found at sno-isle.org/budget.

When will ballots be mailed?
Ballots will be in the mail on July 17.

When is the election?
Election Day is August 4. Your ballot must either be postmarked no later than Election Day or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

What do I do with my ballot?
Voters can drop their ballot in an official ballot drop box. They can also mail their ballot, but it must be postmarked by Election Day—the USPS recommends mailing a week before Election Day.

Where can I check my voter registration or register to vote?
votewa.gov.

Where can I find additional election information?
sos.wa.gov/elections.

I have more questions—who can I talk to?
Let's chat.