The nature of law enforcement and emergency response has changed and increased in complexity over the last two decades. Increasing drug use, homelessness, mental illness, theft and school safety challenges; and aging fire stations and equipment are straining the City’s ability to deliver critical police and fire services.
In 2001, Washington State passed tax-limiting legislation I-747, which limits taxing jurisdictions like the City of Bothell from raising the amount of property taxes collected by no more than 1% per year without a vote of the people. The cost of delivering basic police and fire services increases at a higher rate than 1% each year, therefore, City Council placed Propositions 1 and 2 on the 2018 ballot to gauge Bothell’s level of desired public safety service. In 2031, when the public safety levy is set to expire, Bothell residents will have another chance to vote on the level of service they want.