Voters set to approve levy renewal for King Countys 23M a year fingerprint system
King County residents are poised to renew a property levy that funds the Regional Automated Fingerprint Identification System, with nearly 60% of initial ballots supporting the measure. The proposed renewal lowers the rate from 2. 9 cents to 2. 8 cents per $1,000 in assessed value. This program, which costs $23 million each year, has been a vital resource for law enforcement in all 39 cities and unincorporated areas of King County since its inception in 1986.
The previous renewal in 2018 passed narrowly with only 55% of the vote, highlighting the contentious nature of such tax measures. In a shift from previous years, the renewal question was presented as a single item on the special election ballot this time. Voters will also consider a $1. 4 billion parks levy renewal in the upcoming August primary. Approval of this levy renewal would continue the county's commitment to leveraging technology for crime resolution.
The results signify community backing for public safety initiatives and technology in law enforcement.