As part of the ballot measure process, Washington State law requires cities to seek residents to be appointed to serve on either the pro or con committee for each ballot measure
VANCOUVER – On Nov. 5, Vancouver voters will consider six measures referred to the ballot by City Council. One measure, Proposition 4, is a levy to fund increased police services. The other five measures ask voters to approve or reject proposed amendments to the City Charter, a process that’s required every five years.
As part of the ballot measure process, Washington State law (RCW 29A.32.280: Arguments advocating approval or disapproval—Preparation by committees) requires cities to seek residents to be appointed to serve on either the pro or con committee for each ballot measure. After the appointment, both committees work independently of the city to prepare a written statement advocating either approval or rejection of the ballot measure to appear in the Clark County Voters Pamphlet. Committee members’ names will be included with the statement.
The committees will also have an opportunity to prepare and submit a rebuttal in response to the statement prepared by the opposition.
Community members are asked to express interest in joining one of the committees by emailing the City Manager’s Office at CMO@cityofvancouver.us by 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 31. Staff will present the chosen committee member appointments to the City Council on Aug. 5.
Background on Proposition 4
On July 15, City Council unanimously approved a resolution to place Proposition 4, a levy to fund police services, on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot. If approved by voters, the levy would fund police and supporting services, including staffing (80 additional sworn and 36 non-sworn personnel), equipment, technology, facilities, and related criminal justice costs; increase Vancouver’s regular property tax $0.41/$1,000, for a maximum levy rate not to exceed $2.63/$1,000 of assessed valuation for 2025; set the limit factor for Vancouver’s total property tax levy for 2026-2030 to 100% plus annual increase of 5%; and authorize the 2030 levy amount as the basis to calculate subsequent levies (84.55 RCW). Learn more.
Background on City Charter proposed amendments
In June, the City Council unanimously approved five proposed amendments to the City Charter, submitted by the 2024 Charter Review Committee and City staff, two proposed by the Committee and three proposed by City staff.
The proposed amendments include:
- Amendment to Section 2.06: Vacancies Defined – Replacing non-inclusive language with language aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Amendment to Section 2.18d: Citizens’ Commission on Mayor/City Council Salaries – Clarifying language and direction for the Salary Review Commission.
- Amendment to Section 3.03: Powers and Duties – Updating language to reflect the current biennial budget process.
- Amendment to Section 10.03: Petitions and Committees and 10.04: Filing and Certifying – Eliminating language referencing non-accessible (paper and indelible) signatures that would prevent the acceptance of electronic signatures on petitions.
- Amendment to Section 11.05: Contracts Beyond One Year – Eliminating a requirement for contracts that create an administrative burden.
Information provided by the city of Vancouver.
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