The first day of unofficial primary election results shows that the proposition to lift Fort Vancouver Regional Library’s (FVRL) property tax levy is passing.
As of Aug. 5, district-wide results show Proposition No. 1 passing with 42,987 votes in favor (52.84%) and 38,372 votes against (47.16%).
If approved, the Prop. 1 would restore the library district’s regular property tax rate to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value starting in 2026. The measure is FVRL’s first levy lid lift request in 15 years and funds 96% of its operating budget.
A lid lift is required to avoid deep cuts to library hours, staff and services, according to the district’s website. An approved lid lift would add 91 open hours per week districtwide, increase staffing by the equivalent of 18 full-time positions, and boost the materials budget by $450,000.
A “no” vote would trigger a 30% reduction in open hours, eliminate 68 staff positions, cut over 1,500 programs, and cancel plans for new facilities and outreach services.
The levy applies to all taxpayers in the 4,200-square-mile district, which serves more than 550,000 residents. For a home assessed at $400,000, the 2024 district average, the annual cost would be $200.
Learn more and see updated ballot counts in the coming days at clark.wa.gov/elections.
This story was updated to include all library district election results.
