If approved by voters, Proposition 5 would fund police and support services by adding up to 13 full-time equivalent sworn officers in a range of ranks and assignments and update equipment and vehicles consistent with current and future policing standards

VANCOUVER – On Aug. 4, the Vancouver City Council unanimously approved a resolution to place Proposition 5, a levy to fund police services, on the Nov. 4 General Election ballot.

“Vancouver’s population continues to grow, and so does the need for police services,” said Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “We have the second lowest-staffed police department among cities our size in Washington, and it contributes to longer response times, a reliance on overtime to staff shifts, and reduced capacity for investigation. This November, the community will have the opportunity to consider a potential path toward addressing these challenges.”

If approved by the voters, Proposition 5 would fund police and support services, including:

• Add up to 13 full-time equivalent sworn officers in a range of ranks and assignments
• Equipment and vehicles consistent with current and future policing standards

The levy also includes administrative and staffing costs to directly support the officers, equipment, and additional prosecution and criminal justice costs as approved by the City Council.

“I want to thank the members of the Police Advisory Committee for coming together again to thoughtfully consider funding strategies that address our department’s staffing challenges,” said Vancouver Police Chief Troy Price. “I’m also grateful to the City Council for supporting efforts to align our resources with the public safety expectations of this community. Vancouver continues to grow, and with that growth comes new demands on our officers. Proposition 5 is a direct response to those demands. If approved, it would allow us to bring on additional officers, reduce overtime, and strengthen our capacity to respond, especially in investigations and traffic enforcement.”

Voters will be asked to approve an increase in Vancouver’s regular property tax by approximately $0.15/$1,000 assessed value, for a maximum regular property tax levy rate not to exceed $2.47/$1,000 for collection in 2026. The levy is anticipated to raise $5.6 million annually over six years starting in 2026. Under the proposed increase, owners of a $500,000 home would pay an estimated $75.00 per year, or $6.25 a month, and the property tax would generate an estimated $5.7 million in revenue annually.

After last fall’s Proposition 4 did not pass, the City Manager reconvened the 13-member Police Advisory Committee to help chart the City’s next steps. The committee met with the City Manager and Police Department staff three times between April and June to discuss police priorities and potential funding solutions. The committee recommended a multi-source investment strategy that includes the voter-approved Proposition 5, a Council-approved public safety sales tax, and applying for the recently created state grants that will be administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Together, these three sources of revenue could fund 25 sworn staff and up to 10 non-sworn staff. Proposition 5’s property tax increase would enable the City to hire 13 full-time equivalent officers in a range of ranks and positions, as well as the positions and resources needed to support the officers.

Learn more about Proposition 5: Police Services Levy.

The full language for Proposition 5

PROPOSITION NO. 5 CITY OF VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON POLICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES LEVY LIFT

The Vancouver City Council adopted Resolution M-4346 concerning a levy lid lift to fund police and public safety.

If approved, this proposition would fund police and public safety services, including additional police officers, equipment, and criminal justice system costs by increasing Vancouver’s regular property tax by approximately $0.15/$1,000 assessed valuation, for a maximum regular property tax levy rate not to exceed $2.47/$1,000 for collection in 2026. The 2026 levy amount will be the basis to calculate subsequent levies, per RCW 84.55. Qualifying seniors, veterans, and others would be exempt, per RCW 84.36.

Should this proposition be approved?

YES   . . . . . . . . .     □
NO   . . . . . . . . .     □

Information provided by the city of Vancouver.