2007 Public Safety Levy

A significant investment that has contributed to Redmond’s strong emergency services system is a property tax levy approved by voters in 2007. For more than a decade, this levy has provided essential support in keeping our Fire and Police Departments staffed, including funding for 18 firefighters and 17 police personnel.

However, over the last 15 years the purchasing power of the levy has decreased over time. Revenue from the levy by law can only grow 1% every year – but expenses have increased approximately 5% every year, rapidly outpacing revenue. The 2007 levy can no longer support the same services it once did. Our growing community and evolving public safety needs require additional investments now to ensure a safe and supportive system for everyone.

 Retaining critical staff working to keep us safe, $3.5 million

• The 2007 property tax levy approved by voters included funding for 18 firefighters (enough to staff an additional aid car and a new fire station) and 17 police personnel.

• Revenue from the levy by law has only grown 1% every year, while expenses have increased approximately 5% every year, rapidly outpacing revenue.

• $3.5 million will retain 18 firefighters (enough to staff a new fire station) and 17 police personnel.  

-- Bob Yoder, 3/21/2022

    `Source: Council meeting memo

The 2022 "Public Safety Levy" is: $10,392,872/year or ~ $28.33/month or ~ $340/year on a $1 million house.  Property taxes will be $0.34 per $1,000 assessed valuation.  $3.5 million will go to retaining 18 firefighters and 17 police personnel.