University Place considers property tax increase to fund public safety, staffing
A public safety levy in University Place that failed during November’s election is back on the ballot Tuesday, April 25.
The revised levy is 14% less expensive than the levy proposed in November, which failed by 99 votes. The measure on Tuesday’s ballot would add another sergeant, a crime prevention, education and community outreach officer and seven commissioned patrol officers— including one dedicated to traffic patrol.
The city of University Place contracts with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department for police services. University Place has 12 patrol officers, a crime investigator, a school resource officer, a sergeant and a police chief.
City officials say the public safety funding would support staffing levels that more accurately reflect University Place’s growing population and calls for service. Police have seen a significant increase in shoplifting incidents, as well as calls for suspicious behavior and loitering, according to the University Place government website.
Opponents to the levy say University Place can find other sources of revenue to fund public safety and say the tax would burden residents and businesses. University Place has the highest average tax rates in Pierce County, which has the highest tax rates in the state, they say.
The proposed levy increases the City of Tacoma’s levy rate by about 35 cents per $1,000 of assessed value for collection in 2024, or $35 a year for every $100,000 in assessed value. Low-income seniors and low-income disabled homeowners may qualify for an exemption to the increase.
For a home assessed at $652,240, which is the average assessed home value as determined by the Pierce County Assessor Treasurer, the levy would increase the property tax by about $19 a month or $228 a year.
The property tax levy is the only item on Tuesday’s special election ballot.
November’s levy proposal, which was rejected, would have added eight patrol officers (including two traffic patrol officers), another crime investigator and two crime prevention, education and community outreach officers.
Visit the Pierce County Auditor’s website to find your voting location and answers to frequently asked questions about voting. If you’re not registered to vote, you can register Tuesday in person.
This story was originally published April 25, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
