Voters Reject 85‑Cent Property Tax Lift and Lopez Park Levy Misses 60% Threshold

*TL;DR San Juan County voters rejected Proposition 1’s 85‑cent‑per‑$1,000 property tax increase and the Lopez Island Park and Recreation levy failed to reach the 60% supermajority required for passage.

Context A county‑wide special election on April 28 placed two fiscal measures on the ballot. Proposition 1 sought to lift the levy lid, allowing an additional 85 cents in property tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. The Lopez Island Park and Recreation levy aimed to fund new park facilities but required a 60% approval rate, higher than a simple majority.

Key Facts At 9 p.m. on election night, the official results showed 60.35% of voters (3,560 ballots) opposed Proposition 1, while 39.35% (2,310 ballots) supported it. The park levy garnered 52.92% yes votes and 45.08% no votes, leaving it 7.08 points short of the 60% threshold needed for enactment. Neither measure had been finalized at the time of reporting, but the trends indicated clear voter rejection.

What It Means The defeat of Proposition 1 means the county’s property tax base will remain unchanged, preserving current revenue levels for schools, roads, and public services. County officials will need to explore alternative funding mechanisms if they seek additional resources for infrastructure or services.

The park levy’s shortfall signals limited public appetite for higher spending on recreation projects on Lopez Island. Without the required supermajority, the proposed park improvements will not receive the anticipated funding, forcing the island’s park board to reconsider project scope or seek private partnerships.

Both outcomes reflect a cautious electorate wary of tax increases and higher spending thresholds. Future proposals will likely face heightened scrutiny, especially those that require supermajorities.

Looking Ahead Watch for the final certified results later this week and for any county‑level budget revisions that respond to the rejected measures.