Letter to the Editor Prop 1 in LFP Solve the Problem Now or Later?

Rising police costs have created a $700,000 budget deficit in Lake Forest Park's public safety funding. The city council proposes Proposition 1, which would increase property taxes by about $220 per year for the average homeowner, specifically to support public safety services. This tax increase would be temporary, lasting six years, and would not permanently raise property tax rates. Critics of Prop 1 advocate for using the city's savings to bridge the gap, but this strategy could jeopardize financial stability in the long run. The city's savings largely stem from one-time federal COVID-19 relief funds and deferred spending, making them inadequate for ongoing public safety expenses.

By passing Prop 1, Lake Forest Park can maintain essential services without draining its financial reserves. The city’s savings provide a buffer against future crises, including economic downturns and public health emergencies. Addressing the public safety deficit now prevents a larger tax increase down the line.