On November 4, 2025, Trout Lake voters will decide whether to join the White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District. Annexation would bring Trout Lake into the District, expanding the community partnership and tax base that supports the new community pool.
This measure asks voters in the Trout Lake School District (R-400) whether to annex into the White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District (WSVPMPD). The District was formed in 2018 to provide long-term public support for aquatic recreation, including building and maintaining a community pool.
Currently, the District includes the White Salmon Valley School District (except for small portions in Skamania County).
If annexation is approved:
- Trout Lake residents would become part of WSVPMPD, with the ability to vote in District elections and run for a seat on the Board of Commissioners.
- District residents may also receive discounted rates for pool use and programming. Fees are set by the District’s Board of Commissioners and may vary over time.
- Additionally, larger, shared tax base makes pool operations and construction more affordable for everyone and restores regional access to swimming lessons, aquatic exercise, and community recreation.
District residents currently pay a property tax levy of $0.167 per $1,000 of assessed value (not market value).
For example, a home assessed at $300,000 pays about $50 per year. Trout Lake property owners would pay the same levy if annexation is approved.
Any future levy changes must be approved by voters and comply with state law.
NOTE: Should the annexation ballot measure pass, per statute, levy collection will not begin until 2027.
Only registered voters residing within the Trout Lake School District (R-400) will vote on this measure. Approval requires a simple majority.
Official Ballot Language
WHITE SALMON VALLEY POOL METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT
PROPOSITION No. 1
ANNEXATION OF TERRITORY WITHIN TROUT LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO WHITE SALMON VALLEY POOL METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT
Shall the territory within the boundaries of the Trout Lake School District (Washington State School District No. 400) be annexed to and be a part of the White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District?
🗌………For annexation to metropolitan park district
🗌….....Against annexation to metropolitan park district
Trout Lake Community Annexation
What Would Annexation Cost Trout Lake Residents?
If Trout Lake voters approve annexation, properties will join the White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District and pay the existing levy rate of $0.167 per $1,000 of assessed value.
For a home assessed at $386,000, the total would be $5.37 per month or $64.46 per year.
| Assessed Value | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $4.18 | $50.10 |
| $386,000 | $5.37 | $64.46 |
| $500,000 | $6.96 | $83.50 |
| $750,000 | $10.44 | $125.25 |
| $1,000,000 | $13.92 | $167.00 |
Estimates use assessed (not market) value and the current levy rate of $0.167 per $1,000. Actual cost varies with your official assessment.
What Happens If Annexation Passes Or Fails?
“YES” Vote: Join the Pool District
If Trout Lake voters approve annexation: Properties in Trout Lake will join the White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District and contribute at the existing levy rate of $0.167 per $1,000 of assessed value.
What would this option do?
-
Gain full in-district benefits Trout Lake residents become eligible for in-district pool rates, can vote for pool commissioners, and have a direct voice in pool operations
-
Help support construction and operations Adds Trout Lake to the base of community support that keeps costs lower and ensures long-term access to swimming lessons, fitness programs, and recreation
“NO” Vote: Stay Outside the District
If annexation is rejected: Trout Lake will remain outside the Pool District. Residents will not pay the levy, but will also not receive in-district benefits or voting rights.
What would this option do?
-
No tax responsibility, but no benefits Trout Lake properties would not contribute to the levy, but residents would pay higher out-of-district pool rates and have no direct representation
-
Community connection limited Without annexation, Trout Lake would not be a formal partner in the district’s future planning or decision-making
No Matter What the Outcome of the Election – Trout Lake Residents Are Welcome at the Pool!
Whether annexation passes or not, the new White Salmon Valley Community Pool is being built for everyone in our region. Trout Lake community members will always be able to swim, learn, and play at the pool.
Your Estimated Monthly Cost
Enter your property's assessed value to see your estimated annual and monthly cost if Trout Lake annexation is approved at $0.167 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Estimated Monthly Cost: $5.29
This reflects an estimate based on the current levy rate of $0.167 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Note: This tool provides an estimate only. Actual amounts may vary depending on your county’s final assessed property value, exemptions, or other local factors. For detailed information, contact your county assessor or visit their official website.