One of the top regional issues King County voters will decide during the Aug. 16 primary election is the renewal of the Veterans and Human Services Levy.
Voters are being asked to renew a levy that was approved in 2005. The levy funds employment training, treatment for post traumatic stress disorder, mental health services and rental assistance.
If approved, the levy would cost homeowners 5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value or for a home valued at $350,000, about $17 per year.
The Kent City Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of the levy at the July 16 meeting. The Covington City Council also unanimously passed a resolution in support of the issue July 12.
In May, the King County Council unanimously voted to place a renewal of the levy on this year’s primary ballot.
The Kent City Council heard public testimony at the July 16 meeting in support of the measure from numerous organizations in the city including HealthPoint Community Health Center, Kent Youth and Family Services and Catholic Community Services, which provides services for very low-income individuals and families who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless.
“We serve over 350 households in the Kent area, households that are struggling desperately to hold onto their property and livelihood,” said James Tolbert, who is an Emergency Assistance Supervisor for Catholic Community Services. “This is a very needed fund source.”
According to a release from the city, programs funded by the levy have a proven track record of saving tax dollars and making a difference for veterans and others in King County. The release noted 84 percent of veterans served by the King County veterans program improved their housing, employment, or income, and 95 percent of veterans receiving treatment for post traumatic stress disorder showed reduced symptoms.
The levy is expected to generate $16 million a year for the next six years.
It also funds organizations such as the YWCA, which received $2.3 million this year.
The levy contributed $400,000 to Passage Point, which recently opened near Maple Valley. Linda Rasmussen, the YWCA homeless initiatives director, stated that renewing the levy would help fund various services done through Passage Point.
“If it is passed, obviously that’s good news for us,” she said. “If the levy isn’t funded, that’s very concerning.”
Yet, Rasmussen stated she was uncertain of what would occur if the levy did not pass.
“I don’t know how immediate the effect would be,” she said.
She explained most likely funds already raised would be used to support the YWCA through 2012. From there, however, it is up in the air.
“I don’t think it’s like falling off a cliff on Jan. 1,” she said. “It puts people on notice.”
At the same time, Rasmussen emphasized the benefits for Passage Point.
“It’s a low cost way for King County homeowners to keep those services,” she said. “It’s an important source.”
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