King County seeks $1.5B parks levy renewal with controversial tax increase proposal

King County's proposed parks levy renewal dominated discussions at the Des Moines City Council meeting on March 13, 2025, with a staggering request of $1.5 billion on the table. The current levy rate of 19.54 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value is set to increase to approximately 22 cents, translating to an estimated monthly cost of $17.18 for the median home value of $844,000 in King County.

Council members and residents expressed concerns over the fairness of fund allocation, particularly the disparity between Seattle and other areas of the county, where only 18% of the funds are guaranteed for cities outside Seattle. This has raised questions about tax fatigue among residents, who feel overwhelmed by multiple levies and property tax bills.

City representatives urged community members to engage with their county council members, particularly newly appointed Deshawn Quinn, to voice their opinions on the levy before it appears on the August ballot. While there is general support for funding parks and trails, the key issue remains how much residents are willing to pay and how the funds will be distributed.

In addition to the parks levy discussion, the meeting also covered public safety updates, including the closure of a police substation due to budget constraints and the upgrade of body-worn cameras funded by grants. Crime statistics revealed a decrease in auto thefts but an increase in alcohol and drug offenses, prompting ongoing efforts to address these issues. South King Fire reported a significant rise in emergency calls, highlighting the growing demands on local services.

As the council navigates these pressing issues, the community's response to the parks levy will be crucial in shaping the future of public funding in Des Moines.