Jefferson County Voters Approve Parks & Recreation Levy Lid Lift in Primary Election
Liz Anderson
Communications Specialist, Jefferson County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2026
Jefferson County announces that Proposition No. 1, the “County Parks & Rec Levy,” was approved by Jefferson County voters during the August 4, 2026 Primary Election, pending certification of the election results by the Jefferson County Auditor’s Office on August 18.
The approved levy lid lift will establish a dedicated six-year funding source for Jefferson County parks, recreation, community centers, the County Fairgrounds, and the 4-H Youth Development Program. The measure was placed on the ballot by the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners through Resolution 23-0427-26R, adopted on April 27, 2026.
The levy authorizes a regular property tax rate of $0.21 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation for 2027 with the 2027 levy amount being used to compute the levy changes for 2028 through 2032 under limits prescribed in RCW 84.55. The County estimates the levy will generate approximately $2.1 million in 2027 to support parks, recreation, and community services that are provided by Jefferson County but are not mandated under state law. Qualifying seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities under RCW 84.36.381 are exempted from this portion of the County general levy.
“We’ve received a clear mandate, asking the county to prioritize and support youth, elder and family programming, community spaces to convene and play, and preservation of our rural character through parks, agricultural education, and outdoor recreation. We’ve heard you and we’re committed to responsible and transparent stewardship of these funds over the next 6 years,” said District 1 County Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette. “Many thanks to everyone who took the time to speak up and to cast their ballots. Let’s keep this momentum going to strengthen community engagement in our local government. This is what it takes!”
Public Works Director Eric Kuzma adds that “by passing this levy, our community has demonstrated how deeply it values Jefferson County Parks and Recreation. This is more than an investment in our beautiful parks and open spaces, community centers, fairgrounds, and 4-H programs—it is a direct investment in the dedicated staff who bring them to life. With this sustainable funding secured, we now have a strong foundation to ensure our facilities and programs will thrive for years to come.”
The revenue generated through the levy will be administered in accordance with Washington State law and the provisions approved by the voters. Jefferson County extends its appreciation to all residents who participated in the election and to the Jefferson County Auditor's Office Elections Division for administering the election process.
For additional information about the levy, visit Jefferson County’s Parks and Recreation Levy webpage: co.jefferson.wa.us/1969/Parks-Rec-Levy.
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Jefferson County
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