Now’s the Time! Let’s Build the Pool!
On November 3, voters will decide on a community pool levy lid lift—a funding measure that determines our ability to build the pool within the next two years.
The current levy rate of $0.167 per $1,000 is designed to OPERATE a pool, but not BUILD a pool.
If approved, the levy would be lower than the initial 2018 levy rate of $0.25 per $1,000 and increase to $0.22 per $1,000 of assessed value. For a home assessed at $400,000, the total annual cost would be $88, or about $7.33 per month. (This reflects the full amount the homeowner would pay in 2026). In comparison, the current levy rate for the same property would be $66.80/year; this would increase the cost for that household by $21.20/year.
This funding will support the construction of the community pool in a timely manner, help keeps costs down (every delay increases eventual construction cost), and will restore access to swimming lessons, aquatic exercise, other aquatic activities within our community.
How will the levy lid lift be worded on the ballot and in the voters’ pamphlet?
WHITE SALMON VALLEY POOL METROPOLITAN PARK DISTRICT
PROPOSITION NO. 2
LEVY LID LIFT
The Commissioners of the White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District adopted Resolution 2025-01 concerning its regular property tax levy. This proposition would authorize the district to increase the current tax levy rate from $0.167 per $1000 to a rate of $0.22 per $1,000 of assessed value for collection in 2026, ensuring that construction of the community pool can be completed in the most cost efficient and timely manner. The resulting dollar amount of the 2026 levy would be used for computing subsequent levy limitations as provided by RCW 84.55.
Should this proposition be approved?
YES . . . . .☐
NO . . . . . .☐
What Would the Levy Cost?
If approved, the levy rate would be updated to $0.22 per $1,000 of assessed value —the lower than the rate voters approved in 2018.
For a home assessed at $400,000 (district average), the total amount would be $7.33 per month or $88 per year.
| Home Value | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $5.50 | $66 |
| $400,000 (district average) | $7.33 | $88 |
| $500,000 | $9.17 | $110 |
These estimates are based on assessed value (not market value). Actual cost may vary depending on your local assessment.
What Happens If the Levy Passes or Fails?
“YES” Vote: Build sooner and keep costs down
If the levy lid lift passes: White Salmon Valley Pool will be able to move forward as planned with construction — ensuring access to swimming lessons, aquatic exercise, and community programs.
What would this option do?
-
Move forward with pool construction Ensures funding is in place to begin pool construction on planned timeline and keeps costs lower
-
Provide access to aquatic programs in our community Supports swimming lessons, fitness classes, and recreational activities
“NO” Vote: Delays construction and increases long-term costs
If the levy lid lift fails: The community pool project will face indeterminable delays due to cost escalations, limiting access to aquatic activities.
What would this option do?
-
Delay pool construction and add cost to project No immediate funding available for construction
-
Restrict community access to aquatic activities by forcing people to drive to Hood River to another aging pool facility No facility for swimming lessons, fitness, or recreational use in our community
By the Numbers: Pool Construction Costs & Savings
Here’s a breakdown of the financial progress and cost savings for the pool project.
Impact of Lost Pool Access & Swim Lessons
The absence of a community pool has resulted in lost visits and missed swimming lessons.
Levy Frequently Asked Questions
Levy Funding Is Capped at 1% Growth Per Year
A levy is a tax on property values, which was designed to fund the operations of the White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District—but not the construction of the new community pool.
The district operates under RCW 35.61 and is classified as a junior taxing district.
A district’s initial base levy amount is set by multiplying a voter-approved levy rate by the assessed value of all properties within the district.
Under state law, all tax levies may only increase by 1% annually plus a small adjustment for new construction.
Because the annual base levy amount must stay fixed by law, as assessed property values go up, the levy rate goes down.
What's an easier way to think about the 1% limit for the levy? ▲
Imagine leasing a car that allows you to drive 10,000 miles in the first year. After that, you can only increase your mileage by 1% each year—just 100 additional miles annually, regardless of changes in your commute or family needs.
Now, consider how life changes can impact your driving needs:
- New Job Commute: Suppose you take a new job adding an extra 5-mile round-trip commute daily. Over a typical 5-day workweek, that’s 25 additional miles per week, or approximately 1,300 miles per year.
- Family Usage: As your family grows, so does your daily car use—for school drop-offs, errands, and appointments—adding about 10 extra miles each day (roughly 3,650 miles a year).
Combined, these changes can increase your annual mileage by 4,950 miles, far exceeding the modest 100-mile annual increase allowed by your lease agreement.
💡 That’s how levy funding works in Washington State. By law, the White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District’s property tax revenue can only increase by 1% per year—unless voters approve a levy lid lift. Even when demand grows or costs go up, the revenue limit stays the same. Over time, this can create a gap between what the district is allowed to collect and what it takes to maintain or expand pool operations.
The Result: The Levy Rate Drops Over Time
Since the annual base levy amount stays relatively fixed by law, assessed property value increases cause the levy rate to decrease.
The levy rate has declined from $0.25 in 2019 to less than $0.167 in 2025, despite increasing construction costs.
Levy Information
What is a levy? ▲
A levy is a tax on property values, which funds the operations of the White Salmon Valley Pool Metropolitan Park District. The levy is the primary source of funding, collected based on a voter-approved rate multiplied by the assessed property values.
What is the 1% levy limit? ▲
Washington State law limits how much property tax revenue the district can collect each year. Even if property values increase, total revenue **can only grow by 1% annually**, unless voters approve a change.
What is a levy lid lift? ▲
A levy lid lift is a **voter-approved measure** that allows the district to collect more than the **1% annual increase** permitted by state law.
Why does the pool district need voter approval to change funding? ▲
In 2001, Washington voters passed **Initiative 747**, restricting local taxing districts from increasing property tax revenue by **more than 1% per year** without voter approval.
This means pool funding **does not automatically adjust for inflation or growing community needs**, making voter approval necessary to maintain operations.
Why is the pool district asking for a levy lid lift now? ▲
The district is seeking a levy lid lift to **fund construction of the community pool** and ensure long-term operational stability.
Without voter approval, the district may face **delays or scaling back essential pool features**.
How has inflation impacted the pool since the last levy passed? ▲
Since the last levy rate was set, **construction costs have risen significantly** due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increased demand for materials.
The projected **cost of building the pool has increased** by over **20%**, requiring additional funding to complete the project as planned.
Your Estimated Monthly Cost
Enter your property's assessed value to see your estimated annual and monthly cost if the levy is restored at $0.22 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Estimated Monthly Cost: $7.33
This reflects an estimate for the total monthly and annual cost a homeowner would pay in 2026.
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.
