The need to enhance Vancouver’s police force is clear. The Columbian’s Editorial Board recommends a “yes” vote on the city’s Proposition 4.
As always, this is merely a recommendation, designed to foster discussion and provide information. The Columbian suggests that voters study the issue before casting an informed ballot.
Proposition 4 would increase the city’s property tax levy 5 percent a year for each of the next six years. For 2025, officials estimate that property taxes would increase by 41 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value — or $205 on a $500,000 home. By 2030, the increase would be $585 compared with the current levy. The measure would raise approximately $15.5 million the first year and approximately $36 million by 2030, according to the city.
That is a significant burden for property owners. And it is one that requires a demonstrated need along with assurances that the money will go toward its stated purpose.
The levy lid lift would add up to 80 full-time sworn police officers and 36 nonsworn police positions, form a traffic enforcement camera program, expand the Homeless Assistance and Resources Team (which has two officers) and upgrade equipment.
As City Councilor Ty Stober said during a hearing last month, “It just has become very obvious since the city has grown that we are going beyond the capabilities of the services that we’ve been able to fund so far.”
That is not unique to Vancouver; among the states, Washington has the lowest per-capita rate of law enforcement officers. But it is particularly noticeable in Vancouver when compared with other midsized cities. According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs, Vancouver has a significantly lower rate of commissioned officers than Spokane and Tacoma, and a slightly lower rate than Kent.
Many local residents and business owners have expressed concerns about what they perceive to be an increase in crime. Dealing with that and enhancing safety require investments in enforcement.
For years, municipalities throughout Washington have been limited in their ability to make those investments. State law allows for only a 1 percent annual levy increase — a limitation that does not keep up with inflation. That generates persistent cuts to services and personnel, including law enforcement, unless voters approve a levy lid lift.
The limitation is detrimental to communities and should be removed, but that is an issue for another time. For now, the question is whether Proposition 4 is a reasonable approach.
There are, indeed, problems with the proposal. One is that it calls for levy increases over six years, locking residents into an annual tax increase. Another is the size of the request, which will pose a significant burden.
If Proposition 4 does not pass, city officials should not be shy about approaching voters with a future proposal; the need is clear. In the meantime, voters should weigh for themselves whether the measure would be an appropriate investment.
The Columbian’s Editorial Board believes it is appropriate and recommends a “yes” vote on Proposition 4 in Vancouver.
