Provisions for multiple year levy lid lifts and content for ballot titles

Provisions for multiple year levy lid lifts and content for ballot titles

Multiple year levy lid lifts:

  • May only be voted at a Primary Election or General Election.
  • Require voter approval of a simple majority.
  • Must be levied within 12 months of voter approval.
  • Increase the district's highest lawful levy above statutory levy limitation and establish a limit factor in each of a maximum of 6 subsequent years.
  • Levy capacity increase is temporary unless the ballot specifically states the resulting levy will be used for future levy limit calculations.
  • Funds raised through a lid lift can be supplanted in counties with a population of 1.5 million or more, when approved by the voters between July 26, 2009 and December 31, 2011.
  • Funds raised through a lid lift can be supplanted in counties with a population less than 1.5 million, when approved by voters after July 26, 2009.
  • May provide that the exemption authorized by RCW 84.36.381 will apply to the lid lift increased levy capacity.


Multiple year levy lid lift ballot titles must contain:

  • Identification of the enacting legislative body.
  • Statement of the subject matter, not to exceed 10 words.
  • A concise description of the measure, not to exceed 75 words.
  • The dollar rate (levy rate) proposed only for the first year of the consecutive years.
  • The limit factor, or a specific index to be used for determining a limit factor (for example, Consumer Price Index) by which the regular tax levy will be increased in each of the subsequent consecutive years.
  • The limited purpose for the increase.
  • A question asking if the ballot measure should be approved.

RCW 29A.36.071, 29A.72.050, 84.55.050(2)